Reach
Germans share information from their core team outward. Information flows freely within the immediate team, among the people they know and trust. With each outer organizational circle, Germans become more careful, at times even wary, of sharing valuable internal information. This graduated approach reflects a belief that context matters. Information shared without proper context can be misunderstood or misused. Those further away may not understand the context. Patterns
Value
Germans believe that the mere possession of information can provide almost the same value as converting it into action. The German term for this is Herrschaftswissen (knowledge that confers power). For Germans, information is a form of capital. Those who possess important knowledge that others lack hold a strategic advantage, whether or not they immediately act on it. Patterns
Obligation
In Germany, the responsibility lies with the person who needs information to go and get it. The German term is Holschuld (an obligation to fetch). This system assumes that professionals know what they need to do their jobs. It respects autonomy. People are not bombarded with information others think they might need. They define their own requirements. Patterns
Function
Germans see knowledge as the team’s primary capital. A team’s value lies significantly in what it knows, its expertise, experience and information. Germans are keen to protect and expand this knowledge, as individuals and as teams. They are particularly sensitive to how and with whom it is shared. Sharing knowledge indiscriminately can dilute the team’s distinctiveness and strategic position within the organization. Patterns