How to Achieve Better Knowledge Utilization with Knowledge Externalization Mechanisms in Social Intranets

Abstract

Organizations rely on employees to externalize their tacit knowledge in order to effectively conduct knowledge-intensive work processes. Tacit knowledge externalization is particularly important in times of digital transformation where product and service innovation cycles become shorter and require creative, quick decision-making. Our understanding of mechanisms that constitute tacit knowledge externalization and how this relates to knowledge use is, however, limited. This paper contributes towards closing this gap by testing whether the suggested mechanisms of content generation, storytelling, organizational communication, professional collaboration, and practice demonstration are associated with knowledge use when supported by corporate social media. The implications for research and practice are discussed.