Addressing the knowledge divide: digital knowledge sharing and social learning of geographically dispersed employees during the COVID-19 pandemic
ISSN: 2049-8799
Article publication date: 25 October 2021
Issue publication date: 16 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate digital knowledge sharing (KS) and social learning (SL) of geographically dispersed employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The method is qualitative case study action research within a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions; 22 employees from various geographically dispersed entities were selected through purposive sampling. Employees took part in interviews to explore their perspectives on and experiences with digital KS and SL.
Findings
Findings first show that successful digital KS and SL hinges on the motivation, intentions, attitude and behaviour of employees to share and co-create knowledge embedded in supportive KS culture and climate. Second, findings show that the implementation of knowledge sharing platforms customised to the needs and preferences of employees within the case study organisation facilitated KS and SL, which in turn aided the development of individual and organisational capability, agility and adaptability required in the contemporary, digital knowledge economy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
This research was a single case study of an organisation within one business sector, namely logistics, encompassing a small sample of 22 employees. Hence, this study does not permit statistical generalisation but only permits internal generalisation.
Practical implications
Forming and sustaining networks of influencers, i.e. employees who are role models of digital KS and SL, who serve as strong advocates and ambassadors for instilling a KS culture and climate within the organisation have a powerful influence on evoking digital KS and SL organisation-wide.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper is that it presents an evidence-based “Digital Knowledge Sharing and Social Learning model” depicting the factors that influence digital KS and SL, the benefits and outcomes. This model aids researchers and practitioners to better understand the dynamics of digital KS and SL between organisational members in a cross-cultural business environment during times of crises.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors first would like to thank the employees of LogExpress for sharing their experiences with digital knowledge sharing and social learning induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The authors would second like to thank two specific groups of students from American University in Dubai for their assistance in the data collection and analysis in this research project: The undergraduate students in the HRM Summer course 2020
The MBA students in the HRM Summer course 2020: Aya AlHosani, Ahmad Hammoudeh, Aliaa Hiba, Adnan Chamma, Majed Azem and Zainab Hussain
The employees’ and students invaluable contributions enabled the authors to write this paper for which the authors express their gratitude.
Citation
Valk, R. and Planojevic, G. (2021), "Addressing the knowledge divide: digital knowledge sharing and social learning of geographically dispersed employees during the COVID-19 pandemic", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 591-621. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-02-2021-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited