Focusing on the Process of Making the Appropriate Knowledge Available
Focusing on the process of making the appropriate knowledge available to the appropriate people (Frost, 2010). Knowledge management (KM) makes sure a company can learn and can access and use its knowledge assets when necessary (Frost, 2010). The information is used to provide the company a competitive edge in the market. Knowledge sharing strategies are included in knowledge management. This study will discuss several information sharing tactics and their efficacy in the setting of this organization using the Howards Stern Radio Talk program.
One of the Most Popular Radio Stations and Talk Shows
One of the most popular radio stations has one of the most well-known talk shows in the world: Howard Stern Radio. It is hosted exclusively on Sirius XM Radio which has more than twenty million subscribers making it one of the radio stations with a huge market share in the US (Yong, 2014). It is also the only satellite provider in the United States (Yong, 2014). However, radio broadcasting is one of the most innovative industries and other companies such as Cumulus and CC Media Holdings Incorporation are quickly increasing their market share (Sheridan, 2012).
The Rising Competition and the Importance of Knowledge Sharing
The rising competition in the external environment of Howards Stern Radio Talk show makes it crucial for the organization to engage in knowledge sharing strategies. Knowledge sharing is important for the community in the organization to understand the threats, opportunities and trends in their industry. As such, they will adopt techniques to ensure they maintain their relevance, market share, and revenues earned.
Current State of Knowledge Sharing
Howard’s Stern Radio Talk show is currently using knowledge maps in sharing of knowledge in the organization. Using this strategy, the employees are able to connect to experts in specific areas of knowledge (Yong, 2014). As such, employees seek for advice from the individuals they trust to give the most competent answer. Knowledge is mainly shared from vertically between the management and the employees and there is hardly any sharing between the employees with similar skills and expertise. A knowledge map, therefore, lists the experts in the organization, their specific areas of expertise, and provides a means to contact them.
Recommended Strategy
Howard’s Stern Radio Talk show is made up of people with a passion for what they do and they interact regularly to learn how to do it better. As such, there is the need to come up with more effective knowledge sharing techniques in the organization. An integrated system of knowledge sharing is recommended in the organization (Hara, 2009). The integrated system will add value to the already existing knowledge map technique by allowing employees to share knowledge amongst each other.
Impact of the Strategy
The integrated system of sharing knowledge will improve efficiency in the organization. The system will allow the employees to consult with each other as opposed to relying on the experts in the executive only (Hara, 2009). As such, this will boost their motivation as they feel their ideas are important in the organizations. The employees will also feel more open to seeking advice from the experts because it will appear as a learning opportunity. The feeling of dominance in decision making will be eradicated using the integrated system of knowledge sharing.
The integrated system at Howard Stern’s Radio Talk Show will also offer the employees an opportunity to provide the executive with their ideas and opinions (Hara, 2009). Previously, the employees only got information from the executive and their opinions seemed less important. Employees are the major part of the organization that interacts with the customers and as such they can identify their needs and expectations and alert the executive. The organization will then gain a competitive edge in the industry by ensuring customer satisfaction.
Improvement of the Organization to Support the Strategy
The integrated system of knowledge sharing will affect the routine processes in the organization (Frost, 2010). First, the organization will have to implement software in their computers that allow for sharing of information between the employees and with their executives. The technology can allow for the employees to share information directly with the CEO without going through the secretary. It will also allow different users to access similar information and this will reduce bureaucracy in decision making.
Secondly, there is the need for the human resource department to identify training needs for the employees and executive (Frost, 2010). Both parties must understand the need of using the integrated system of knowledge sharing and how it will contribute to the improvement of performance in the organization. Moreover, knowledge sharing is important to ensure that the employees do not resist the change created by the shift in the knowledge sharing process and that the executive supports it fully. They will also be trained on the means of sharing relevant information and how to handle sensitive data.
Finally, there is a need to adjust the routine processes in the organization (Hara, 2009). For instance, the contacts of the employees must be made available for the executive. It is important because in this knowledge sharing strategy, the executives who are the experts may need to learn some aspects from, the junior employees. They may also need to consult with them when making major business decisions. Moreover, the decision-making process will be participatory where the opinion of the employees is sought. Previously, decisions were majorly made by the experts and the employees were only seen as implementers.
Conclusion
The use of an integrated system of knowledge sharing at Howard Stern’s Radio Talk Show will improve efficiency in the organization and give the business a competitive edge in the industry. The knowledge sharing strategy will create a mix of activities were experts are involved just as much as the employees. Therefore, the people in this community who share a passion to ensure the organization succeeds will interact to keep learning from each other.
References
Frost, A. (2010). Knowledge Management. Retrieved from knowledge-management-tools.net: http://www.knowledge-management-tools.net/
Hara, N. (2009). Communities of Practice: Fostering Peer-to-Peer Learning and Informal Knowledge Sharing in the Work Place. Berlin: Springer Publications.
Sheridan, R. B. (2012). The Rivals: A Radio Dramatization. Grand Haven: Mohr Productions.
Yong, A. (2014). Sirius XM Growth Tied to Expanding Auto Sales. New York: Bloomberg Publishers.
