1– Title

Guidelines to innovate management by knowledge via communities of practice

2– Keywords

Knowledge Management, Communities of Practice, Organizational Culture, Information and Communication Technology, Guidelines

3– Justification/Motivation

It wasn’t found in the literature a known guideline to develop KM via CoP with the assistance of the Organizational Culture (OC) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literature. Based on this knowledge gap, the goal in this study is to propose a guideline to begin the development of KM via CoP in companies.

4– Research Problem

The main question of this study is: which are the key practices occurring in the companies that can help manage the aggregated knowledge necessary to develop an innovative environment?

5– Methods

An interview was developed and supported by the literature review on KM, CoP, CO and ICT. After undergoing experts, the instrument was applied to the Human Resource (HR) and Information Technology (IT) managers in the companies.

6– Discussion

Most of the companies in this study don’t know about KM as a strategy to become more competitive and innovative on KBE society.

7– Expected Results

It is proposed for companies to adopt an approach based in following twenty two sequentially guidelines:

1. A flat hierarchy and a structure for projects to the flow of knowledge, so employees can expose and exchange ideas and information at the same level to deepen knowledge and expertise;

2. Integration in person and via internet to store the knowledge generated among employees with concerns and interest in a particular subject;

3. Provide physical and virtual space for information flow in dual carriageway via email or blog with the purpose of sharing information, ideas and advices;

4. Informal space for exchanging experiences among employees as a recreation area designed for them, which purpose of the contact is to assist in solving  problems, creating projects and developing the tacit understanding on a topic;

5. Training for the generation of new ideas for the development of collective knowledge, continuous learning, which helps in the sharing of problems, perspectives, ideas and solutions;

6. Provide an information system for the dissemination and sharing of knowledge;

7. Valuing the company culture, for example, by providing communication channels to make interaction and knowledge transfer easier;

8. Mapping the competence of the staff to help achieve their organizational goals and the company in order to develop innovative ideas and solutions;

9. Enhancing knowledge through courses and specializations, scholarships, internal training, career path and promotions;

10. To encourage teamwork and cooperation if only for financial stimulus;

11. Promoting trust and friendship between people;

12. Support the development of internal activities through scholarships, training, financial incentives, appropriate environment for safety and environmental technology and implement programs;

13. Involve senior management in recognition of the employee's work, and implement a career plan and profit sharing programs and results;

14. Taking financial risks innovating;

15. Don’t promote the employee sanction in case of mistakes;

16. Adopt methodologies and techniques used for creating and capturing knowledge, and promote training;

17. Adopt methodologies and techniques used for the transfer and sharing of knowledge as a practice;

18. Evaluate practices of KM through a physical or electronic form or by reaction activities and career path;

19. Enable leaders to have access to different areas of the company to encourage the creation, sharing and the use of knowledge every day;

20. Development of KM practices in programs supported by the senior management;

21. Frequency or training programs to create, capture, share, use and disseminate knowledge;

22. Propose a mediator that motivates the employees to practice knowledge.