The model shown above is mainly built upon two elements, i.e. source and receiver. This
has been extracted from the simple communication theory introduced by Deutsch (1952).
Besides, the knowledge conversion model introduced by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) has
also been used in this process model to describe different modes of knowledge transfer.
These modes can be informal or formal, personal or impersonal (Holtham and Courtney,
1998). ‘‘Socialisation’’ is a great example for informal modes where individuals or teams
have unscheduled meetings, friendly discussions, etc. However, such mechanisms may
involve certain amounts of knowledge waste due to an absence of a formal recording of
knowledge. Formal transfer mechanisms appear to be more effective than informal
mechanisms; although, according to Alavi and Leidner (2001), it may inhibit creativity and
innovation. Personnel transfer is a formal, personal mechanism of knowledge transfer. Such
transfers, common in Japan, immerse team members in the routines of other members,
thereby allowing access to the partner’s stock of tacit knowledge (Fahey and Prusak,
1998).