Exploring barriers and facilitators to knowledge transfer and learning processes through a cross-departmental collaborative project in a municipal organization

• Published in: The learning organization Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 358 - 374
• Main Authors: Sunnemark, Fredrik, Lundqvist Westin, Wilma, Al Saad, Tamy, Assmo, Per
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 09-05-2024; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Arbetsintegrerat lärande; Collaboration; Communication; Communication (Thought Transfer); Cooperative Learning; Crime prevention; Cross-departmental collaborative project; Economic Status; Group Instruction; Knowledge; Knowledge transfer; Learning; Learning Processes; Municipal organization; Municipalities; Opportunities; Organizational learning; WIL; Work Integrated Learning; Organizational learning; Learning processes; Knowledge transfer; Municipal organization; Cross-departmental collaborative project
• ISSN: 0969-6474; 1758-7905; 1758-7905; 0969-6474
• DOI: 10.1108/TLO-01-2023-0003

Purpose
This study aims to explore barriers and facilitators for knowledge transfer and learning processes by examining a cross-departmental collaborative project in the municipal organization. It is based on a R&D collaboration between University West and a Swedish municipality.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the barriers and facilitators, the data collection was made through observation of the project implementation process, as well as 20 interviews with public servants and external actors. To conduct a systematic qualitative-oriented content analysis, the article constructs and applies a theoretical analytical framework consisting of different factors influencing knowledge transfer and learning processes within a municipal organizational setting.
Findings
This study explores the facilitators and barriers to knowledge transfer and learning processes, specifically focusing on strategic communication, individual roles, common goals, time pressure, group learning, trust and relationships and absorptive capability. Lack of communication affected the group learning process, while the close relation between time pressure, group learning and trust in colleagues is also pointed out as crucial areas. Trust developed through dialogue efforts helped overcome project fatigue. Coaching with a human rights-based approach improved organizational absorptive capabilities.
Originality/value
The study gives important insights into organizational learning within a municipality in Sweden for the successful implementation of collaborative projects. Knowledge must be transferred for the organization to learn to develop and tackle future challenges and its complex responsibilities. The theoretical analytical framework provided in this article has proven to be effective and is therefore transferable to other organizations in both the public and private sectors.