Social Network Analysis of Knowledge Sharing Across Disciplines and Regions in a Multinational Engineering Consultancy

In the current global environment characterized by knowledge-intensive work, it is crucial to foster knowledge sharing (KS) across geographically distributed work teams within multinational corporations (MNCs). This research aims at finding out the level of knowledge sharing connections (KSC) in a dispersed community of practice (CoP) among employees in a multinational engineering consultancy. Specifically, we investigate the flow of knowledge within a sustainability-focused CoP using social networking analysis (SNA) and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The survey sample included 37 employees from 32 offices across 19 countries and was conducted using an ego-centric survey with follow-up interviews. Inter-disciplinary relationships were more common than inter-regional ones, as professionals within regions frequently collaborated and shared knowledge due to geographical closeness. There was less frequent knowledge exchange (KE), especially in the inter-regional networks, in which mostly were project-related. They were predominantly reciprocal, with an emphasis on mutuality based on social obligations. Respondents responded that they use inter-regional connections less often than inter-disciplinary ones probably because inter-disciplinary contacts are more frequent. These results point to the need for the provision of regular and effective cross-regional and cross-disciplinary communication to increase the level of KE and innovation in projects.