ENHANCING TEAM-RELATED KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN AGILE VIRTUAL TEAMS: SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND TRUST ENABLERS FOR DISTRIBUTED COLLABORATION – KSAVT FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Trust, motivation, and collaboration behavior are critical in knowledge sharing (KS) in Agile Virtual Teams (AVTs). The paper investigates the Team-Related Knowledge (TeRK) category of the Knowledge Sharing for Agile Virtual Teams (KSAVT) Framework with emphasis on the interpersonal influences of KS in distributed agile organizations. Based on a qualitative multi-case study of three international software organizations, the study discusses eight TeRK-related factors such as interdependence, self-organization, autonomy, and communication and relates them with eleven practical guidelines in the principles of respect, accountability, recognition, and alignment of team and project goals. It has been found that the key to the preservation of cohesion and knowledge flow in dispersed teams is psychological safety, frequent communication, and recognition between members of the team. Researchers conclude that a robust team culture and motivation will make KS a procedural requirement and a group of people, which solidifies agility, trust, and lifelong learning.