Organizational culture and knowledge sharing at the United Nations: using an intranet to create a sense of community

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the impact that the United Nations' (UN) intranet has had on enhancing internal communications in the organization during a period of organizational change, examining in particular the role of a community of content providers. The UN's intranet, called iSeek , was revamped and redesigned in 2005, just before the launch of a major UN reform package. An Internal Communications Unit (ICU) was set up to coordinate a more participatory and dynamic approach to communications and encourage dialog at all levels. A sense of community has been fostered by the creation of a network of focal points providing content across the organization worldwide, which was reinforced during a workshop organized to develop a strategy for the intranet. This community approach has helped encourage knowledge sharing and a transition toward a more collaborative organizational culture. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.