Designing A Knowledge Sharing Platform For Inter Organizations: The Case Of Ethiopian Chamber Of Commerce And Sectoral Associations
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Date
2016-06-05
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Abstract
In today‟s global economy, competitive advantage is increasingly achieved through the effective
use of knowledge. Knowledge is the most important strategic resource in organizations. In this
regard, managing knowledge is important in the business community. However, most of the
knowledge in ECCSA is not shared to the staff, members and business community at large.
ECCSA has lack of systems that promote knowledge sharing. It is not a learning organization
that properly documents knowledge and best practices produced internally or obtained from
benchmarking visits elsewhere. Moreover, there is no formal system of sharing lessons learned
from foreign travel by board members.
The main objective of this research is to design a knowledge sharing platform that promotes inter
organizational knowledge sharing among member associations of ECCSA. The study used both
qualitative case study and design science research methods. The case study research method is
used to assess the existing knowledge sharing practice among member associations and explore
the factors that promote IOKS. Moreover, the design science research method is used to design a
knowledge sharing platform that promotes knowledge sharing among member associations of
ECCSA. Data was collected using interview, observation and document review methods. Twelve
business association representatives were selected for interview using purposive sampling
methods.
The study showed that technology is the least applied among member associations and it is the
factor that hinders knowledge sharing. This confirmed that ECCSA and its members need to
apply knowledge management systems and ICT infrastructure to promote IOKS. Moreover, the
study designed a knowledge sharing platform. This platform contributes to promote inter
organizational knowledge sharing among business associations.
The study recommended that the ICT infrastructure that ECCSA and member associations used
to apply need to be improved. In this regard, it can facilitate the communication among member
associations and enable business associations to access and share knowledge. In addition,
ECCSA should utilized KMS tools to support its business activities.
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Organizations: The Case Of Ethiopian Chamber Of Commerce