A study exploring managers' knowledge sharing strategies through the learning styles of Experiential Learning Theory

This qualitative study explores knowledge sharing through Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). Eight managers from a mid-Atlantic state vocational rehabilitation agency were selected to participate in a series of interviews based on their results on the Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI). Transcripts from the interviews were analyzed for managers' descriptions of how and what knowledge they share. Themes emerging from the managers' descriptions included four aspects of knowledge sharing, (a) methods, (b) audience, (c) purpose, (d) and affect; and two types of knowledge, personal and social, as identified by Kolb.; The results of this investigation provide little evidence of patterns between managers' learning styles and how they define and share knowledge. However, their descriptions provide an in-depth view of personal and social knowledge as well as aspects of knowledge sharing.; The types of personal and social knowledge identified offer the public vocational rehabilitation program a typology of knowledge being shared within the program. This typology can be used for education, training, and employee development, in addition to an understanding of the content areas critical to the work of management-level vocational rehabilitation professionals in the public program. The four aspects of knowledge sharing identified offer organizations direction for management development and knowledge sharing initiatives. Based on these aspects management development programs can focus on individual strategies for sharing knowledge. Knowledge sharing initiatives can apply the four aspects of knowledge sharing to assess and improve knowledge sharing at the individual level.; In addition to the practical applications, findings contribute to the knowledge sharing, learning, management, and rehabilitation literatures. The descriptions of personal and social knowledge contribute to the brief descriptions of knowledge offered by ELT as well as providing rehabilitation with a typology for studying knowledge shared within the profession. The four aspects of knowledge sharing identified offer knowledge sharing and management theories a framework to explore managers' individual processes and preferences for sharing knowledge which follow the ELT cycle of learning.; Findings suggest future research to continue to define personal and social knowledge and to identify factors that contribute to the types of knowledge managers choose to share. Additional research may focus on exploring the relationship between the ELT learning cycle and the process of knowledge sharing. Individual preferences within knowledge sharing may be further studied to identify factors that promote effective knowledge sharing strategies.