Redes de conhecimento empresariais: um estudo de caso sobre as "Comunidades de Conhecimento" de uma empresa multinacional brasileira

Abstract

Technological innovations have contributed to the acceleration of the changes experienced by society in recent years. One was the internet, which had a global expansion, and whose use has changed, radically, the routine and especially how people relate. Among existing forms of communication on the internet, emerged social networks that are environments that provide interaction between people and consequently the sharing of information and knowledge. Currently, there are many producers and consumers of information and knowledge, among them are the companies that, to perform their activities, the production of goods or services and act on the market, globalized and competitive, they need to constantly upgrade. One way to update occurs from the interaction between the main actors of the companies (members, suppliers, customers and partners) that make it in many ways, for example: from the physical contact, which takes place during meetings or even in informal meetings within and outside the company; by phone; by email; and from video conferencing. The companies have several informal networks developed naturally by practical work of its members, the so called “communities of practice”. Some companies, however, realized that social networks are being widely used by people in general, as a means of communication and interaction and so many of its members are already familiar with this environment. Were then corporate knowledge networks created to encourage interaction in the workplace and promote the sharing of information and knowledge. Thus, the objective of this research was to investigate how participants of a corporate knowledge network use this environment to develop their work activities. Using the exploratory method and case study technique, a Brazilian multinational company was chosen, with operations in 40 countries besides Brazil; internationally recognized by business developing in the sectors: engineering, construction, investment in infrastructure and energy; and has a knowledge network, created in 2001, with 15 active communities, called "Knowledge Communities". The field research was conducted with members of these communities and those responsible for operating the knowledge network. The Instruments for data collection used were: bibliographical and documentary research, simple observations, questionnaire and interviews. According to the analyzes of the collected data, we came to the conclusion that most of the participants of a knowledge network also act as observers of this environment, that is, not use it as a tool in the development of its activities. In general, they are aware of what happens in this environment, but not actively participate in it, as information sharing involves some issues, such as company culture, personal status, among others. To achieve results, should not be imposed by managers, however, they must be structured for people to look the virtual environment how an extension of the work environment and for its functions like tools that should be part of your routine.