This document summarizes research on using social networking sites to build knowledge-sharing relationships. It discusses:
1) Literature on social networking sites, knowledge sharing, and social capital theory. Social networking sites may provide access to knowledge through weak ties, but cognitive and relational dimensions of social capital also influence knowledge sharing.
2) Individual networking styles, including propensity to connect with others. Some people are more inclined to form strong/weak ties and make bridging connections.
3) Benefits and pitfalls of using social networking sites were not well understood. Focus groups explored perceptions of different networking methods.
1. A4 complex template
Knowledge Management Forum
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Project Report: Social networking and knowledge sharing
3
2. The writing on your wall: can organisations benefit from the use of
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Judy Payne
Nicholas Silburn
Michael Norton
Contents
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 3
Literature review...................................................................................................................................... 4
Social networking websites and knowledge sharing ........................................................................ 4
Social capital and knowledge sharing ................................................................................................ 4
Social networking and knowledge sharing ........................................................................................ 5
Using technology for communication ............................................................................................... 7
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Empirical evidence................................................................................................................................... 9
Design................................................................................................................................................... 9
Data collection................................................................................................................................... 10
Data analysis....................................................................................................................................... 11
Limitations ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Focus group findings ............................................................................................................................. 11
Focus group members....................................................................................................................... 11
Identification of networking methods ............................................................................................. 12
Most valuable networking methods ................................................................................................ 13
Separation between personal and professional networks ............................................................. 15
Benefits and pitfalls of networking methods................................................................................... 15
Implications for practice ....................................................................................................................... 23
References.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix A – Scale for propensity to connect with others ............................................................... 27
Appendix B – Networking methods ..................................................................................................... 28
Appendix C – Benefits and pitfalls: themes.......................................................................................... 29