What drives knowledge sharing in software development teams: A literature review and classification framework

Factors negatively influencing knowledge sharing in software development

“…Zhang, Yezhuang and Zhongying (2006) and Ghobadi (2015) point out that factors influencing knowledge sharing differ (Ghobadi 2015;Kukko & Helander 2012;Riege 2005). For the success of projects, the utilisation of existing knowledge is crucial as this enhances the organisation's core competencies.…”

“…Software developing organisations should continue encouraging project team members to realise the benefits of knowledge sharing (Min, He & Gan 2010). Ghobadi (2015) identifies seven knowledge sharing barriers in software projects: technology-related, diversity-related, capability-related, team perceptions, team organisation, organisational practices and task-related barriers. Of all drivers or factors identified in this research study and for the purpose of this study, the researchers focus on three categories (individual, technological and organisational) as classified by Riege (2005) and Kukko and Helander (2012).…”

“…In today's ever-shifting competitive environment, software developing organisations are increasingly dependent on knowledge to gain and maintain an advantage over their competitors (Ghobadi & D'Ambra 2012;Mkhize 2015;Willems 2009). Subsequently, knowledge sharing is a key factor for modern software developing organisations to succeed (Ghobadi 2015). Sharing of knowledge is required not only between members of the same project, but also within an organisation and across various organisations (Soinil, Makinen & Tenhunen 2007).…”

“…Sharing of knowledge is required not only between members of the same project, but also within an organisation and across various organisations (Soinil, Makinen & Tenhunen 2007). For software developing organisations to reach their goals and objectives, knowledge sharing -and in particular the sharing of useful knowledge -needs to be promoted and facilitated (Ghobadi 2015;Jinming & Yuntao 2011). To advance knowledge sharing, factors influencing knowledge sharing (positively and negatively) need to be identified and understood.…”

“…However, many individuals in organisations are still not able and/or willing to share their knowledge, especially so if they fear that it would reduce their worth in the organisation (Willems 2009). The promotion of knowledge sharing is problematic where factors negatively influencing knowledge sharing are not known to the software developing organisation (Ghobadi 2015;Kukko & Helander 2012;Riege 2005). Software developing organisations are failing to meet customers' expectations, not because they lack the necessary knowledge, skills or expertise, but because they are not fully Background: 'Knowledge is power' and software developing organisations are dependent on knowledge to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.…”