Your co-workers are info-hoarders

Employee reluctance to share information -- such as innovative ideas, expertise or competitive intelligence -- is one of the big reasons that systems such as CRM and knowledge management often fail. Catherine Connelly, assistant professor of human resources &  management at McMaster University, has found that employees often protect their knowledge and will even take steps to hide it from co-workers.

But Connelly's research found that employees are more willing to share with people they trust and who treat them fairly. "When organizations emphasize positive relationships and trust among employees, knowledge sharing will become part of the culture," explains Connelly. Her findings:

Clues you've been a victim of knowledge hiding:

• You ask a colleague for help, and they say
• "I'm sorry. My boss doesn't want this to be public right now."
• Nothing.  They ignore your request.
• "I don't know.  Maybe someone else can help you out."

Why people engage in knowledge hiding:

• they feel that an injustice has been done to them
• they are distrustful of co-workers or management
• they are retaliating against someone else's behavior toward them
• the organizational climate encourages secrecy, not sharing
• they can get away with it

How to encourage knowledge sharing:

• emphasize positive relationships and trust among employees
• explain the mutual benefits of having colleagues share their knowledge
• treat all workers fairly and respectfully
• make knowledge sharing part of the culture

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Discovered via: Business Pundit