Cultural affects on knowledge mapping and sharing in Finland, Japan, France and The USA

Abstract

The objective of the research is to explore the functioning and role of culture in multicultural environment. Moreover, the objectives are to name instances, which can result when global organisations perform knowledge management tools such as knowledge mapping in culturally different countries. These objectives were achieved by analysing 20 in-depth questionnaires of organisation members. The projects consisted of employees’ from countries, which were Finland, Japan, France, and USA. The research’s methodological approach is qualitative.

The frame for research consists of some definitions of concepts in terms of the theme for research, and discussions about prior researches of knowledge management. Moreover, as presented by previous theories, culture and knowledge management are treated in parallel with each others. In the results of the research analysis and in the conclusion some former theories are examined in accordance to the results of the research at hand.

The main finding of the research is a guideline presenting the instances and functioning of culture and knowledge mapping. The study presents some matters, which have an affect on knowledge mapping and sharing, and it also implies some issues of cultural differences, which can be considered as troublesome when operating in a global economy.

The study implies that different levels on certain factors such as Individualism/Collectivism, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Masculinity or Long-Term Orientation has a strong effect on how employees’ working on a global company react to knowledge itself and thus also to knowledge mapping and sharing. These findings refer to the fact that international organisations should take these cultural differentiations in to count when planning and implementing knowledge related tasks and strategy.