Learn how to grab others' knowledge to do your job properly

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses the ways in which a prospective knowledge user can approach seeking a potential contributor's knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected in 2004 using semi‐structured interviews from a large multinational corporation situated in the UK.

Findings

The main findings of the paper suggest that context and content – such as status of the knowledge contributor, personal preference of superior, intimacy with the knowledge provider, trust between the actors, and criticalness of the technical query – have a great role to play when asking for technical help.

Research limitations/implications

The paper ignores to identify the determinants of the selection of knowledge transfer mechanisms, which is an interesting area of future research for academicians.

Practical implications

The paper will help organizational members to consider the contexts before approaching their colleagues for a technical advice.

Originality/value

The paper is of value to practitioners because it develops a view of grabbing others' knowledge without hesitation.

Citation

Jasimuddin, S.M. (2007), "Learn how to grab others' knowledge to do your job properly", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 8 No. 6, pp. 435-439. https://doi.org/10.1108/17515630710684655