Using the Delphi method to enhance the transfer of organisational knowledge: a bridge for practitioners and academics

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dc.contributor.advisorPatterson, Margaret (Peggy)
dc.contributor.authorFinley, Donna S.
dc.date.accessioned2017-12-18T22:28:14Z
dc.date.available2017-12-18T22:28:14Z
dc.date.issued2012
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 292-314en
dc.descriptionIncludes copy of ethics approval. Original copy with original Partial Copyright Licence.en
dc.description.abstractA knowledge transfer gap exists when knowledge is created but not transferred between Practitioners and Academics. The existence of the gap is particularly impactful in organisations struggling to improve performance. Over 25 years as a working Practitioner, I have experienced its persistence and magnitude as organisational leaders struggle to tackle complex problems. The issue is the inability of Practitioners and Academics to effectively transfer knowledge to each other, which itself requires specialised skills and directed resources. The purpose of this research was to reframe the roles and processes that bridge the knowledge transfer gap in order to increase organisational effectiveness. The literature that stimulated my ideas was the notion exposed through Nonaka's (1988) description of middle management. The flow of information is not necessarily a straight line, but involves multiple hand-offs and roles to transfer knowledge from Jarvis' (1999) 'metatheories' (academia) to 'microtheories' (practice). Through this study, I identify seven knowledge transfer roles, differentiated and similarly grouped along a Knowledge Transfer Role Continuum© by their current practices, motivations and acceptance of these roles. Two distinct sets of success factors - one for the knowledge transfer process and another for the individual roles - were extracted, providing the impetus for future research. I also developed a framework called the Translation Process Continuum© that addresses how a variety of processes could begin to bridge the gap. While knowledge translator roles are integral to bridging the gap, they will not be embraced until there is a cultural shift within the academic and practice worlds, and a value placed on each other's contribution. Further, until there is evidence that these roles produce results and compensation and resources applied to support their work, acceptance will be hindered. In my view, research funding bodies are central to initiating this transformation. Finally, through adaptation and experience generated through this research, I propose enhancements to the Delphi method. These extend the current three application categories to eight and modify several design parameters. These recommendations influence panel selection, questionnaire development, data collection, analysis, and reporting, thereby broadening Delphi's flexibility and range of application.
dc.format.extentxx, 368 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationFinley, D. S. (2012). Using the Delphi method to enhance the transfer of organisational knowledge: a bridge for practitioners and academics (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4581en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/4581
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/105582
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.titleUsing the Delphi method to enhance the transfer of organisational knowledge: a bridge for practitioners and academics
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineInterdisciplinary Graduate Program
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 2071 627942915
ucalgary.thesis.notesUARCen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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