Identifying and Prioritizing Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing in Software Companies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

2 PhD. Student, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize the factors that influence knowledge sharing in software companies. Identifying and prioritizing these factors can help both experts and practitioners become familiar with the key components of knowledge sharing in software organizations. This familiarity will enhance teamwork and learning, while a stronger team spirit will contribute to increased productivity.
Method: The present study was conducted using various quantitative methodologies with an applied orientation. In this study, two methods—Fuzzy Delphi and CODAS—were employed for data analysis. Since the skills for the questionnaire were derived from a review of reputable international and domestic articles in the fields of information science, knowledge management, and information and communication technologies, as well as interviews with professors and senior managers in these areas, both the expert and priority questionnaires demonstrate strong validity. Additionally, the priority questionnaire was deemed reliable due to the careful selection of an appropriate sample size and the screening of factors influencing knowledge sharing. The sample size in this study consisted of 10 participants, which is considered adequate for expert-based judgmental methods. In this research, the Fuzzy Delphi method was employed to identify the factors influencing knowledge sharing in software companies. In this method, an initial list of factors influencing knowledge sharing was created based on a literature review and expert opinions. These factors were subsequently presented to experts, and their opinions on the significance of each factor were gathered. Finally, factors that exceeded a certain threshold of importance were selected for the next stage of analysis. Subsequently, the CODAS method was employed to rank the factors influencing knowledge sharing in software companies. In this method, the factors influencing knowledge sharing, which were identified in the previous stage, were evaluated using a fuzzy numerical spectrum. Then, these valuations were processed using the CODAS method, and the key factors influencing knowledge sharing in software companies were identified.
Findings: In the initial stage, 60 factors were identified and evaluated using the fuzzy Delphi method. From this analysis, 13 key factors were extracted and prioritized using the CODAS method. The final factors influencing knowledge sharing in software organizations include trust, motivation, a knowledge power mentality, professional competence, and organizational culture. Additionally,
self-confidence, knowledge security, organizational factors, concerns regarding the accuracy of
an individual's perception of their knowledge, knowledge complexity, knowledge presence and identification, limited access to knowledge, and organizational support also play significant roles in facilitating knowledge sharing.
Conclusions: Knowledge sharing in software organizations relies on several factors, including trust among employees, employee motivation, the mentality surrounding knowledge as power, the professional competence of staff, and the overall organizational culture. Software organizations can enhance trust among employees by fostering opportunities for interaction and collaboration, promoting teamwork, and cultivating an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. Employee motivation is enhanced by demonstrating the value of knowledge sharing and offering rewards for participation. Additionally, fostering a culture of knowledge empowerment is encouraged through education about the significance of knowledge and promoting its application to improve performance, facilitate learning, and support individual growth. The professional competence of employees can be enhanced through training and professional development, promoting the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and creating opportunities for learning. Finally, the development of organizational culture can be enhanced by emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, encouraging and rewarding such practices, creating opportunities for interaction and collaboration, and implementing knowledge management technologies. These strategies can help software organizations improve knowledge sharing and reap its benefits.

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Sciences and Techniques of Information Management
Volume 10, Issue 2
November 2024
Pages 31-60

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