A recent New York Times article entitled “For American Workers in China, a Culture Clash” described how American and Chinese cultural differences impact the workplace. Cultural misunderstandings can be one form of Knowledge Trap that impedes the flow of knowledge in an organization. Other Knowledge Traps include leaders/decision-makers who don’t seek diverse points of view, personal rivalries, departmental silos and isolationist organizations. When decision-makers don’t have access to the best knowledge, there is an increased probability that they will make suboptimal decisions. In addition, Knowledge Traps have a negative impact on the marketplace of ideas that fuels innovation.
To improve decision-making and innovation, leaders need to be intentional about removing Knowledge Traps. One of the best ways to do this is to educate people so they can be on guard against Knowledge Traps and understand how to avoid them. Rewarding people who contribute to Knowledge Flow and the marketplace of ideas with compensation and promotions also sends the right message.
