Understanding and Enabling Knowledge Sharing in Conversations: A Literature Review and Management Framework

In this article we argue for the central role of conversations in knowledge sharing. Given the importance attributed to conversations in the literature, but also the many conversational routines that often prevent knowledge sharing, an integrative approach for the management of knowledge-intensive conversations is needed. We review the literature on conversations in organizations in order to develop a framework for conversation management from a knowledge sharing perspective. We do so by drawing on contributions from the areas of knowledge management, organizational learning, decision making, and change management. The framework is used to consolidate and structure existing research on leading effective, knowledge-intensive conversations. Implications for management as well as future directions for research on conversation management and knowledge sharing conclude the article.