Context matters: enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in Australian public sector ICT projects

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to extend the theory relating to knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in the public sector information and communication technology (ICT) project context. Design/methodology/approach A case study method was used whereby project managers from each of the seven departments of the Victorian Public Sector in Australia were interviewed about their knowledge sharing practice. A semi-structured interview instrument based on Riege’s (2005) barrier framework was used to explore the barriers to knowledge sharing that they experienced as part of their work. Findings The study found that many of Riege’s (2005) barriers did not apply in the public sector ICT project environment, demonstrating that context matters. In addition, five enablers were identified, resulting in a new model of enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in public sector ICT projects. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a single case, the Victorian Public Sector, and consequently the results are not generalisable. Future research should explore the applicability of the model in other public sector ICT project contexts. Practical implications The study highlights the relationship between knowledge sharing and the project manager and the role it plays in project delivery. The model presented provides a starting point for public sector practitioners to develop their knowledge sharing practice, potentially enhancing project outcomes in the process. Originality/value This study examines barriers to knowledge sharing in an under-researched context, that of the public sector ICT project environment. It builds on current theory and provides insights for practitioners in the public sector.

Knowledge sharing in public organizations in Pakistan: leaders’ ethical role and psychological capital of employees

“…While the role of leaders is perceived as negative in qualitative studies conducted in the public sector (Rivera-Vazquez et al, 2009;Seba et al, 2012), the findings by this study demonstrate that ethical leaders, by pro-actively inculcating morality, integrity, altruism and reducing social dilemma through role modeling, encourage collaboration and foster knowledge sharing culture in public organizations. These results are also in line with the study conducted by Karagoz et al (2020). Their results provide evidence of the positive association between project managers and knowledge-sharing behavior of employees.…”

Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação no contexto democrático brasileiro

“…Dentre os consensos teóricos recentes, tem-se o diagnóstico no qual o contexto importa, seja para políticas públicas de um modo geral (POLLITT, 2013), seja para a temática específica das Tecnologias da Informação no setor público (KARAGOZ et al, 2020). Quando se trata das TICs, isso significa dizer que não se deve migrar, de forma acrítica, ferramentas e conceptual framework inicialmente concebidos para o setor privado, visando seu emprego eficiente no setor público.…”

“…Na transposição do contexto privado para o público, há de se considerar os valores substantivos que orientam a atuação do estado, como, por exemplo, isonomia, participação e responsividadeobjetivos não presentes na instrumentalidade do setor privado, e que as TICs, no âmbito público, devem normativamente pautar-se. Por outro lado, é igualmente importante levar em conta as particularidades do contexto espacial no qual o instrumento será implementado, as especificidades dos territórios (local, regional ou nacional), uma vez que atores, recursos e instituições são, igualmente, elementos centrais para melhores usos da ferramenta (KARAGOZ et al, 2020).…”

“…Esta classe se mostrou marcada por poucos estudos, e eles trouxeram as TICs apenas como pano de fundo do cenário das políticas públicas que foram elaboradas ou implementadas nos distintos locais, o que inviabilizou a extração de mais informações desta categoria. Destacou-se aqui a importância do contexto, como defendido porPollitt (2013) eKaragoz et al (2020).5 Considerações finais Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre a aplicação das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs) no Estado brasileiro. A partir de análises estatísticas textuais, foi possível inferir que a literatura do campo se divide em três dimensões: Instrumentos Democráticos; Interseção Estado e Sociedade; e Campo de Políticas Públicas, sendo que as duas primeiras dimensões são compostas tanto por investigações que focam em aspectos institucionais quanto empíricos da temática.…”

Knowledge Sharing Enablers and Barriers: Insights From a Socio-Environmental Project

“…Knowledge is recognized as an organizational asset in projects, as it is essential to reduce failures, improve competencies, and save resources (Gasik 2011, Moraes, Silva andOliveira 2020). In the literature, interest in studying the contribution of knowledge in projects has increased (Karagoz, Whiteside and Korthaus 2020), mainly because projects or programs represent 40% of economic activities (Cuevas, Bodega and Torres-Lima 2021). Projects are carried out according to a defined schedule and resources aimed at creating a unique product, service, or result (PMI 2017).…”