The role of communication in the knowledge management

The theoretical part of the dissertation thesis called "The Role of Communication in the Knowledge Management" strives to identify the relationship between communication and knowledge management and results in finding that communication plays a critical role both in implementation of knowledge management and in the phase when knowledge management is implemented. The communication can shape environment for knowledge management as well as can be a tool for knowledge sharing. The research was focused on the situation of implemented knowledge management where the role of communication interferes to both the environment and the knowledge sharing. The research is based on three case studies that describe knowledge communication and its context in three similar successful and recognized organizations. Facts identified in the case studies are analyzed and discussed with experts in the area of personnel management and internal communication. Findings from the empirical research create basis for the design part which is aimed at identifying the way how to leverage the role of communication in knowledge management and how to use it to positively contribute to knowledge management goals. It results in a proposed system of tools of internal communication that supports knowledge communication. The system prefers face-to-face communication but includes also other tools of internal communication. The system is put into a broader context which is built out of knowledge management strategy, organizational culture and internal communication. There are recommendations defined for each of the elements that should support the right function of the knowledge communication. Rules and guidance for the knowledge communication are part of the thesis as well. Everything is based on practice of the researched organizations, was discussed with selected experts and validated with representatives from one of the organizations. The validation ensures feedback indicating practical applicability of the proposed system and defined guidance