Inhibitors And Enhancers To Knowledge Sharing: Lessons From The Voluntary Sector

Abstract

This study investigated the enhancers and inhibitors to knowledge sharing processes within Charnwood Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), a very successful CAB and one of the oldest CABs in the UK. This bureau handles around 18000 enquiries per year with a workforce of around 40 volunteers and 15 paid staff (10 full-time and 5 part-time). Although the literature focuses attention on technological and cultural barriers to knowledge sharing, the findings from this project tell a different story. The empirical work indicated that improving organisational processes for knowledge sharing are higher on stakeholders’ agendas than implementing new technological systems or changing culture.