Integration of formal and informal knowledge networks: A South African mining education case study

Purpose: In today's world knowledge workers are immersed in a great number of diverse networks. Very often access and exposure to such networks is an indication of how well a given knowledge worker will perform in his or her organization. So far most of the research focused on the formal organizational mechanisms (formal knowledge networks). This is however not enough as noticed by some researchers. There is also a grave need to examine the role played by informal mechanisms. Additionally it is necessary to investigate how the formal and informal knowledge networks operate and interplay between each other. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research approach is an empirical study. Qualitative approach was used with convenient sampling. Data gathering method was in a form of a questionnaire, with follow up individual interviews. The empirical study was conducted among 70 final year students, who were split into 13 groups with 5/6 members in each group. Students were given an objective to carry out a mine design exercise to the level of a pre-feasibility (PFS) study based on the mineral deposit block model supplied to them. Originality/Value: The originality and value of this research is as follows - displaying the impact of establishing a formal knowledge network (CoP) on both formal and informal knowledge sharing as well as knowledge integration. Additionally this research reports on the results of an empirical study conducted in South African mining industry and education sector. This can bring another original value as there is in general lack of studies in this area. Practical implications: This study investigated how the introduction of a Community of Practice (CoP), which is a formal knowledge network, affected the existing informal knowledge networks among the students of the 4th year BSc mining engineering students at one University in South Africa. Moreover it measured the performance of the students that were members of the CoP and those that decided not to ("formally") participate in them. Additionally it provides an insight into the opportunities of integrating knowledge from formal and informal knowledge networks. The results provided will be interesting for CoP practitioners as well as knowledge networks researchers.