Developing a knowledge sharing strategy for a South African IT consultancy

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Information technology (IT) consultants find themselves in a fast-paced, fast-changing environment where client satisfaction, project success and problem-solving are their greatest responsibilities. Because of the characteristics of this environment, there is a need in the IT consultancy industry for effective knowledge sharing, to assist their consultants to solve problems faster. OBJECTIVES : The focus of this study was therefore to create such a knowledge sharing strategy by investigating what would be included in a strategy, what the benefits of a knowledge sharing strategy is and what could hinder consultants from sharing their knowledge. METHOD : Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the consultants from the IT consultancy, with the intention to investigate their current knowledge sharing habits and needs, while literature was also consulted to determine the current practices within similar industries. RESULTS : The outcome of the data and literature analysed lead to the development of a knowledge sharing strategy for the IT consultancy where the research was conducted. CONCLUSION : In summary, this study concludes with the development of a customised knowledge sharing strategy, with the intention to increase the IT consultants’ ability to deliver better products and enhance their problem-solving abilities. CONTRIBUTION : This study contributed to the limited existing research on knowledge sharing within South African IT consultancies, thereby enhancing the field of Information Science. It has also granted IT consultancies with insight into how consultants share knowledge and what these consultants believe could be improved regarding knowledge sharing.