Case Study if only HP knew what HP knows Question If you were Hewlett-Packards KM consultant, identify and evaluate the challenges related to knowledge sharing and advise the company on how such challenges could be mitigated/overcome.

201 "IF ONLY HP KNEW WHAT HP KNOWS ..." Thomas H. Davenport in Action Imoration H ewlett-Packard is a large, success company with over 8 billion in 996 rveries. It stannual revere Frontproximately 302-from such a largebze has astounded observers. The company competes in may markets, including computers and perpheral equipment, test and mercurement devices, electronic components, and medical devices. It has 112,000 employees and over 600 baations around the world About the authon Tom Ogwrport protest of Wormgion Maymentat he University of Ta Ausin, is best known for his research on hon organisations bring about maior immoralons in their work proces His 1993 book, Wadens bewustim Resorts Work 3.1 mm Tedurday was the firstbook, to darbo whathas become komnas 'tusress roving More recently. Lawrportswych inters osthasshilled he won of whether 'Krondge work is characterized by process and more o process improvement lastyarl published "Improring Korongo Wak Procesos in Ja Montest Retten Moabo has tro books torthcoming on topics HP is konti for its releed, open culture All employees, including the CEO, work in open cubicles Marly employees are technically-oriented engineers nto enjoy learning and sharing their knowledge The comparty is perceived a beng somentat benevolent to its employees, and Fact Front has obrated the need for major Rayo FE. All employees participate in aprofit-sharing program. The company is also knonti for its decermaldors+ Mizational structure and mode of operations Business units tat per on wellhave a very high degree of autonomy. There is little organized sharing of infor mation, resources, or employees across units. HP managers eel that the strong business-specific bave Drogtrt by decentralization is a key factor in the Firm's recent success. Although culturally open to Sharing en business wits are willing o ilmest time or money in Werverade borts that do not have an obvious and immediate payback for the unit It is The Wi-Res Manager, Pg. Cresting Fortik Ground.... y. 34