Dynamics of knowledge sharing in professional service teams: The case of auditing teams in Vietnam

Abstract

This study aims at examining how team knowledge sharing changes through stages of professional service teams. While knowledge sharing within a team is a dynamic process, it has primarily been explained through static models. Based on the data from qualitative interviews with 36 auditors from 12 auditing teams in Vietnam, a theory on team knowledge sharing dynamics is developed. The key findings are three knowledge sharing modes utilized as a professional project moves through stages, from Transferring to Integrating to Role-Modeling. Each mode reflects a different combination of knowledge types, sharing motivations, and mechanisms. The study implies that it is important for managers to recognize the dynamic and multidimensional nature of team knowledge sharing.