Browsing by Author "Kuitunen, Enni"

The objective of this master's thesis was to describe the workplace practices in which knowledge is created and shared. The theoretical framework of reference for the study was Nonaka's and Takeuchi's Model of the Creation of New Knowledge. The model describes the four phases of this process, which are socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. The model includes the spiral of knowledge formation, where explicit and implicit knowledge interact with each other while creating new knowledge. The model also describes the circumstances of an organization that supports this knowledge creation process. The study is topical because information changes and ages rapidly, which is why employees are required to continuously develop their knowledge and skills in order to meet the requirements of their work environment. The target group of the study consisted of 12 employees in supervisory and managerial positions living in Finland. The data was collected using a semi-structured e-mail survey in January 2016, and the data was analysed using a qualitative content analysis method. The results of the study indicated that the following practices contribute to the creation and sharing of knowledge: a confidential and pleasant working atmosphere, an open-plan office as a working environment, social moments in the workplace, active monitoring and observing of the work of others, discussions between subordinates and superiors, regular meetings, pop-up working groups, various types of knowledge communities, and joint events involving the work community. Implicit knowledge was made visible and distributed using intranet and several social media tools as well as various other distribution methods. Practices that helped workers internalize new knowledge were receiving feedback, development discussions, self-reflection, and freedom to attempt new ventures and make mistakes. The data showed that workers understand the importance of work-place learning but they do not have a sufficient overall understanding of what concrete methods, practices, atmosphere and other supporting factors it requires.