Organization and Technology in Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer is recognized as a fundamental issue for organizations. This research aims at investigating the knowledge transfer process, and finding out the most efficient and effective strategies to support it. Particularly, the research is focused on studying support strategies based on the use of technology. The paper proposes a model that describes both knowledge acquisition and practice. The model components are the actors' cognitive systems, the processes of codification and interpretation, and the object transferred. The model predicts that a better understanding of knowledge transfer can be achieved by distinguishing organizational similarity from dissimilarity, training from fertilization, and autonomous from interactive practice. This is particularly helpful to discuss what the role and value of technology are in supporting knowledge transfer in organizations effectively.