Question

Why trust is so important in creating knowledge sharing culture? What are the different ways to build trust?

Answer 1

Knowledge sharing culture--Today the importance, application, and creation of new knowledge is essential to the survival of most of the business. Knowledge sharing is the mutual practice, where workers yield to the idea that they will obtain something back in return. Knowledge sharing is very much essential to increase the experience and skills of workers in any organization which leads to maximizing innovativeness and competitiveness.

Importance of trust in creating knowledge sharing culture--

1) Trust is one of the key factors which decides the existence of knowledge sharing culture in an organization or business. Without the trust among the people, the knowledge cannot be shared.

2) Trust brings openness among the people. Without proper interaction, knowledge cannot be shared. And if openness is not present, people do not share their views and ideas and thus they cannot bring innovativeness in any decision that is taken.

3) The lack of trust exists in two different forms i.e trustor and trustee. Trustor gives accuracy and creditability of knowledge. Trustee gives assurance from the prevention of misuse of knowledge or taking unreserved recognition for any sharing of knowledge. So if the willingness to provide valuable knowledge is not present then it is very difficult to create a knowledge-sharing culture. For example, if an organization does not trust its employees and the employees believe that it is not safe to share knowledge, an effective transfer of knowledge will not happen.

4) Trust increases collaboration among people. This collaboration gives comfort for the individuals in a team and thus increases knowledge sharing among the team members.

5) Trust increases the willingness to listen and absorb each other knowledge. Thus trust helps in speeding up the free flow of knowledge among different individuals of the organisation or team.

Different ways to build trust--

1) One of the easiest ways to build trust is to keep your word. People will trust an individual when they are trustworthy.therefore always keep your word to become a trustworthy person.

2) Sharing necessary information is very much needed to build trust in others. Sharing data helps you to build your creditability with your team.

3) Being honest and supportive also builds trust among others. Always tries to be supportive and understanding for the team members helps in building trust.

4) To strengthen trust, it is necessary that accountability must be present among the team members. Working with others , holding them accountable for key expectations and desired results allows forming a unique connection among the team members.