Knowledge sharing within organizations: Presenting a conceptual framework based on the AKRI approach

One of the challenges that organizations encounter when establishing knowledge management processes is the selection of a suitable method to share knowledge. Identifying and evaluating the tools and techniques available for sharing knowledge will enable the selection of the most suitable method for each organization. In this study, different knowledge sharing methods were identified from the literature. The methods were then classified based on different mechanisms used for sharing knowledge. Finally, a conceptual framework was developed based on the literature and professionals in the knowledge management field in a major Iranian engineering company. The expertise of the professionals was captured using a questionnaire examining knowledge in organizations based on the Applied Knowledge Research Institute (AKRI) approach which focuses on four dimensions: knowledge importance, the complexity of knowledge, knowledge type and people having knowledge. The results demonstrate that the suitability of the different methods or approaches of knowledge sharing depend on the knowledge type and organizational characteristics. Selection of the most suitable approach for knowledge sharing can reduce time and costs associated with knowledge sharing, thereby improving the effectiveness of knowledge management. © 2018 Academic Conferences Limited.