Understanding Knowledge Activists’ Successes and Failures

Abstract

Firms are increasingly relying on “knowledge activists” to facilitate the flow of knowledge. This paper discusses which initiatives by activists are most likely to succeed. It identifies a conceptual framework that illustrates the conditions essential to full knowledge sharing and illustrates its effectiveness through a selection of case studies. It concludes by saying that the rigidity and priorities of organisations often preclude the flexibility and entrepreneurism necessary for successful knowledge initiatives.