Mitigating the Threat of Lost Knowledge within Information Technology Departments

Abstract

Experienced information technology professionals leaving an organization creates a risk of losing crucia l knowledge. To mitigate this risk, an organization mu st identify key knowledge holders and develop a plan to transfer their knowledge before these employees leave the organization. This research develops the Knowledge Loss Assessment to identify employees with critical knowledge about important knowledge/skill areas within the IT department. We implemented the Knowledge Loss Assessment within an information technology department of a utility company which resulted in an actionable list of key knowledge holders and a prioritized list of knowledge and skills to transfer to other IT employees within the organization. The results of this study yielded several management principles for researchers and practitioners interested in mitigating the threat of lost knowledge within an information technology department.

A measurable approach for risk justification of explicit and tacit knowledge assessment

“…Risk assessment processes enable organizations to manage their risks by identifying, categorizing, and prioritizing these risks. Whilst risk management usually concerns insurable physical assets, there are several papers describing the risk of knowledge loss in organizations, for instance Aggestam et al (2010), Martins and Martins (2011), as well as Shumaker, Ward, Petter, and Riley (2017). More narrowly focused research includes Agudelo-Serna, Bosuea, Ahmed, and Maynard (2018), who considered ways to mitigate knowledge leakage by mobile devices.…”