Unlocking Tacit Knowledge in Software Development : An Agile Framework
- Authors
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2024
- Source
- DiVA - Academic Archive On-line
- Keywords
- Language
- English
- License
- Green
- External links
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates how software development organizations can identify and utilize tacit knowledge effectively, aiming to develop a practical framework based on empirical data. By exploring methods for accessing and sharing tacit knowledge, the research seeks to enhance organizational efficiency and innovation in software development. Method: The study is conducted through a qualitative case study within a large software development consultancy. The analysis is based on 27 interviews, conducted with employees from the case company. These were later analyzed in a thematic analysis. Findings: We have pinpointed three barriers, alongside identifying three critical components for establishing a robust organizational framework for knowledge sharing. These include culture, empowerment, and practices. Additionally, we have categorized agile practices into socialization and externalization modes and evaluated them from a knowledge sharing perspective, investigating their respective benefits and utility for knowledge sharing in an agile software development organization. Theoretical contributions: The study adds to the literature on knowledge sharing and agile knowledge management. Providing a more practical, concrete, and defined view of how knowledge can be managed, especially in agile software development organizations and contributing with a comprehensive framework for creating a knowledge sharing organization. Practical implications: The practical implication of this study is that managers can better understand different agile tools and in which way they affect knowledge sharing in the organization so that they can be applied more accurately. The framework also provides recommendations for how the organization should be structured and different aspects to focus on to best support knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing practices. Limitations and future research: The most significant limitation is that the data was collected at one consultancy company operating in the software development industry. As such, the results might lack transferability to other industries. The study also lays a foundation for future research to go deeper into specific activities and see their effects. Keywords: Tacit Knowledge, Software Development, Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Management, Agile Methodologies, Software Development Life Cycle.
