Appreciative Sharing of Knowledge: Leveraging Knowledge Management for Strategic Change

As a retreat designer and facilitator, I have seen how infrequently deep knowledge sharing occurs in most organizations, particularly across departmental or functional lines. Not only does such blocked communication hamper an organization's ability to maximize, but it makes the organization a less rewarding place to work. Dr. Thatchenkery's methodology, which is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, is called Appreciative Sharing of Knowledge (ASK). Readers of this book receive a detailed roadmap for using ASK to help them create a more appreciative climate in organizations they lead or are trying to facilitate change in. Such a climate is an essential underpinning for open knowledge sharing. This easy-to-read and practical book follows a case from the banking industry, but the concepts work equally well for large corporations and small nonprofits. External and internal consultants as well as department heads will find a treasure trove of ideas to employ immediately to begin creating more appreciative and open organizations where employees become true collaborators rather than competitors in senseless turf battles.

Like other "big-little" books, there's a lot more between the covers here than one might first expect based on it's short 111 pages. The text includes a smattering of academic research references, without being dry like a thesis. Rather, the referrals to others work gives credibility to what's being presented. And like most books which become ready resources over the years, I've already added a number of other books to my "must acquire" list compliments of passing references to studies or experiences mentioned in this book. One good learning leads to others. Again, referring to the academic references, the reader not only gets material pertaining to the subject in question (mixing AI & KM), but you also get an abbreviated visit to the background for this work which is very helpful in putting where we are in context to how we got here. This is also more than just a cook book with checklists of "how to do's" (while each chapter does end with summary's and what are called focus boxes). It also includes an interesting case study of a practical application of ASK in a banking environment, which from first hand I can say is analogous to what's happened/happening in the Telecom and computer manufacturing industries. Technology changes, mergers & acquisitions coupled with headcount cut backs adversely effect the sharing of knowledge within most organizations. The bank examples resonated with me when looking back on work in the two other mentioned fields, so I would imagine it's equally appropriate in any number of situations of others as well. So, for those poking around to learn something about AI or KM, this is a gem where you'll get a brief grounding in each along with a practical marriage of both. Take care & enjoy!!!! TCW

The book appears too simplistic on first reading but on a second one it reflects the author's deep insight and scholarship into this new and critical area of knowledge management in today's organisation. Great read. We, a consulting firm for media industry, have circulated it amongst our staff and have had half day workshop on it and have made amazing discoveries about the knowledge available within our organisation that has remained untapped. Wish the author had based his/her study on a larger sample of companies/industries and provided tips for applications and larger variety of organisations.

This book is a timely contribution to creating knowlegde sharing organizations. It is succinct in its treatment of the subject matter and the style of highlighting key points for practitioners is helpful in capturing the essence of each chapter. At the end of a single read a serious practitioner can initiate steps to implement a culture conducive to sharing and pooling and using the wealth of knowledge which organizational members carry with them. The ASK technique is innovative and the size of the book is a delight, perfect for a plane ride.

This interesting and easy-to-read book provides concepts, processes, language and examples for OD practitioners and managers on how to share knowledge in an organization. It has a straight forward "how to" process with useful notes for facilitators in each chapter. The "ASK" model described in the book is a practical tool that consultants or managers can use to create positive change in organizations. The focus is on how to identify what worked and how to create systems to strengthen the enabling factors. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I will recommend the book to my colleagues and friends.