How do they know what you know: a study of knowledge exchange when managing projects

This paper presents an investigation into how knowledge is exchanged while managing projects. A qualitative study was conducted utilising action research methodology to collect data from experienced project managers and their colleagues. The data was analysed using grounded theory techniques to identify the individual and collective approaches to exchange knowledge from multiple perspectives. An interpretivist paradigm was used to identify convergence and divergence between the literature and the data. The findings indicate that project managers exchange knowledge predominantly in an impersonal manner and in a formal context in socialised settings. Further examination is recommended to extend this research to identify how project managers use new knowledge to benefit an organisation through enhanced project outcomes.