Information technology and knowledge sharing for better health care : an emerging economy context

Purpose: The present study aims to explore “what” type of knowledge is shared, “how” it is shared and what information and communication tools are used to share knowledge among health-care professionals in the context of emerging “digital laggard” country in the South-Eastern European region (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina [B&H]). Design/methodology/approach: This study applies the qualitative research methodology and thematic analysis for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Primary data is collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 9). Key informants are employees of the main primary health-care institution in the capital of B&H. Findings: The results indicate that knowledge sharing among primary health-care practitioners is the interplay of formal and informal exchange of knowledge, facilitated by both traditional communication media (face-to-face interaction) and ICT-based tools. In regards to ICT tools, our findings suggest that instant messing applications (predominantly Viber) are viewed as common media for sharing tacit knowledge within a community of practice. Research limitations/implications: This study is limited to one emerging digital laggard country; thus, future research regarding ICT-based knowledge sharing in other emerging digital laggard countries is welcomed. Originality/value: In the context of “digital laggard”, societies, informal, spontaneous and dynamic system of social interactions can be a successful substitute for ICT-based formalised and structured system of knowledge sharing.