Knowledge Exchange Processes in Organizations and Policy Arenas: A Narrative Systematic Review of the Literature

Description

This review examines knowledge exchange at the organizational and policy level, drawing on literature from the social sciences and policy making. The method highlights key issues in conceptualizing and developing interventions to support collective knowledge exchange.

Steps for Using Method/Tool

When developing knowledge exchange interventions at organizational and policy levels, these elements need to be considered:

• Knowledge exchange processes at the collective level are characterized by interdependency among people.
• Developing knowledge exchange interventions requires a detailed analysis of the context.
• Evidence needs to be embedded within policy options.
• Knowledge must be linked to users’ perceptions of evidence.
• Context for knowledge exchange interventions is an important factor influencing effectiveness.
• Issue polarization is a key feature of the context.
• The costs and benefits for users to access and use evidence must be understood.
• Developing and maintaining interpersonal trust and communication is a credible way to support knowledge use.
• Knowledge brokers are most effective in contexts with low issue polarization and significant user investment.