The Desire to Share - The Fear to Participate
- Dr. Moria Levy
- Aug 1, 2003
- 2 min read
As is well known, a good knowledge community solution is based on the combination of a human community and a virtual community. Through computerized tools, we seek to create an environment for exchanging opinions and learning even between periodic face-to-face meetings. Undoubtedly, a central component of the virtual community is discussion groups. Discussion groups allow for continuing discussions that were not exhausted in the periodic meeting, as well as discussing new topics that arise ad hoc. They enable every community member to grapple with problems they encounter and seek help from others.
In many cases, the question that one community member asks has certainly occurred to other community members as well. Unlike questions asked via telephone or email, which are directed to a specific person, questions asked through discussion groups can receive answers from sources that the person who asked the question may never have considered. Seemingly, an optimal solution.
However, in practice, we encounter many communities where activity in discussion groups is extremely limited. Analysis of the factors reveals that the low usage level cannot be attributed to fear of the tool (we've already overcome that), an inconvenient tool (the tools are continually improving), or another technical issue. The problem is primarily cultural. The individual's fear of asking questions lest they be perceived as not professional enough; the individual's fear of providing answers to avoid bearing responsibility; the organization's fear of allowing uncensored expression (yes, we've encountered this too).
Why is this fear easier when meetings are face-to-face? Very simple: First, it's possible to correct phrasing if an undesired impression is created. I knew that, I was just curious, I wanted to hear your opinion, and so on. Second, the written word is preserved forever. Unlike what is said orally, which is quickly forgotten and can be blurred, the written word returns and can be reviewed (and agonized over) again and again.
So what's the solution? Anonymity! Asking questions anonymously.
On the surface, this solution seems simple, but surely some of you will say, and rightly so, that the computerized tool at their disposal doesn't allow anonymous questions. From the moment a question is posted, the name of the user who entered the tool is attached to it.
And this is today's tip - don't surrender to the tools, bypass them!
It's possible, easily, without investment, to build a window containing a link to an "anonymous question." Behind the window hides a simple email activation. Clicking the link will open a built-in email automatically addressed to the community leader. The subject will automatically read: "Anonymous question", and in the message body will be written "Question content: _________". The community leader will ensure that the question is posted as an initiated question in the discussion groups.
In this way, it's possible to overcome the cultural problem despite technological limitations. Try it and see for yourself.
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