Exploiting the potential of personal networks to support knowledge management

Abstract

Personal networks can help build capabilities for effective knowledge management and organizations can leverage personal networks to manage employees’ knowledge effectively. Analysis of knowledge management practices in a public sector organization in Kuwait revealed the knowledge workers made heavy use of social networking and digital tools to build personal networks and tried to stay in touch with them on regular basis. They gave preference to communication with people from the same unit, team, organisation, and specialisation. While social media was used heavily, the use of professional networking sites such as LinkedIn was comparatively on the lower side. The study found that comments on blogs and editing of wikis were less frequent. These activities would have been helpful to take full advantage of personal networks.