Analyzing the Barriers in Tacit Knowledge Sharing among Skilled Workers: An Evidence from Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Sector of Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of Study: The purpose of cuurent study is to investigate the barriers that influence sharing of tacit knowledge among the skillful workers. Overall Design: Design of the research includes the review of literature, data collection, modeling and classification analysis. Methodology: In this current study the barriers of tacit knowledge sharing from the relevant previous research literature were identified that influence tacit knowledge sharing among the skillful workers and inter-relationships among them has been established on the basis of data collected from a survey of a heterogeneous panel of experts having rich experience in Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector including academics, entrepreneurs and industry experts. The relationships among the barriers and their degree of dependency had been unleashed by using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) along with MICMAC analysis. Results: Poor communication & interpersonal skills (B1), job insecurity (B2), lack of trust in people (B3), weak motivation to knowledge share (B5), restrictive knowledge sharing culture (B6), fear of losing confidentiality (B7) and time limitations (B8) occupy Level-I. Professional culture (B4), favorable/facilitative environment (B9), fear of losing power (B13), lack of confidence in the knowledge (B14) and common language issues (B15) occupy Level-II. Lack of common ground (B10), lack of rewards recognition system (B11) and lack of top leadership commitment (B12) occupy Level-III. According to MICMAC analysis lack of top leadership commitment (B12) is categorized as independent. Poor communication & interpersonal skills (B1) and weak motivation to knowledge share (B5) are categorized as dependent. Professional culture (B4) is categorized as linkage. Job insecurity (B2), lack of trust in people (B3), restrictive knowledge sharing culture (B6), fear of losing confidentiality (B7), time limitations (B8), favorable/facilitative environment (B9), lack of common ground (B10), lack of rewards recognition system (B11), fear of losing power (B13), lack of confidence in the knowledge (B14) and common language issues (B15) are categorized as autonomous. Originality and Value: This study is of a different nature comprising of public and private technical sector stakeholders and will be helpful to formulate the right policies for all sectors involved to improve the knowledge sharing practices and performance through overcoming of tacit knowledge sharing barriers at individual, technological & organizational levels on the basis of their dependence and driving powers & hierarchical model of critical barriers established on the basis of results and by using these findings to enhance the effectiveness of organizational objectives. Implications: The findings of this study are very useful for all stakeholders in all educational and business organizations. This investigation would be helpful for all type of organizations to set the priorities to overcome the barriers of tacit knowledge share among their technical and professional employees at all levels.