Impact of Knowledge Base on Knowledge Exchange: Commonalities and Differences in the Characteristics of Source and Recipient

In a knowledge transaction, information is shared between a source and recipient. It is argued that the knowledge base of the source and the knowledge base of the recipient will impact an exchange´s occurrence. The characteristics of the source´s knowledge base and the recipient´s knowledge base may be compared in two manners: (1) a single-value continuum and (2) commonalities and differences as separate dimensions. Explanations-economic, technological, organizational/strategic, and sociological - for knowledge sharing are explored using the single continuum and the two-dimension model. We conclude that the rhetoric must change when evaluating actors involved in knowledge sharing. Measurement ramifications for future research and implications for management practitioners are advanced.