The purpose of this article is to look into the social aspect of learning, and in particular how the construction of identity influences the transfer of knowledge in a managed and online context. The relationship between the 'old-timer' and the 'newcomer' is given special consideration through a qualitative study of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. The study shows that inspectors construct their identity and categorize others in a way that creates barriers to the transfer of knowledge, constructions that are influenced by managerial participation. This article contributes to our understanding of how social aspects influence the transfer of knowledge between old-timers and newcomers in a managed and online context.

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This study of media use and knowledge sharing within distributed organizations addresses two questions: (1) How do people combine different ICTs (information and communication technologies) when they engage in a professional knowledge-sharing network? (2) How are combinations of ICTs used when people engage in frequent as opposed to infrequent relations? Existing research exploring the role of ICTs in distributed organizational settings has tended to focus on single media use and the importance of social capital. As a result, the characteristics and consequences of multiple media use have been largely ignored.Our study reveals that people combine different ICTs all the time, but they do so relatively less often in the knowledge-sharing network, where they rely more on official channels. We also found that frequent and successful knowledge sharing correlates with each individual's willingness, and ability, to communicate their knowledge assets freely.

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Organizations today are looking for new ways to support knowledge-sharing and learning activities among their employees by the use of IT. The case describes how inspectors share their work experiences, reflect upon them, and learn from each other at a distance by using stories, pictures, and documents, which is made possible by the GoToMeeting tool™. In this case the GoToMeeting™ tool supports learning activities across geographical and organizational boundaries and contributes to efficient conditions for sharing inspection practices. The issues covered are learning activities facilitated by IT as well as the limitations of the tool in use.