MANAGING KNOWLEDGE IN A VOLUNTEER-BASED COMMUNITY

The study explores the current state of knowledge management (KM) in a volunteer-based community. A knowledge audit was conducted at a volunteer-based community workshop to identify knowledge needs, gaps, sources, sinks and pools. While the study identified several knowledge needs, the study found that the personal motivation of volunteers is tied to their personal knowledge needs. Addressing the personal knowledge needs of volunteers may help develop a strong pool of volunteers and help sustain the organization. A strong KM system would address current problems and facilitate the process of building the community of volunteers. The study recommendations include both technological and non-technological methods to address identified problems and to manage the knowledge in the volunteer-based community.