  Purpose: This study investigates the dynamics of knowledge sharing in
healthcare, exploring some of the factors that are more likely to influence the
evolution of idea sharing and advice seeking in healthcare.
Design/methodology/approach: We engaged 50 pediatricians representing many
subspecialties at a mid-size US children's hospital using a social network
survey to map and measure advice seeking and idea sharing networks. Through the
application of Stochastic Actor-Oriented Models, we compared the structure of
the two networks prior to a leadership program and eight weeks post conclusion.
Findings: Our models indicate that healthcare professionals carefully and
intentionally choose with whom they share ideas and from whom to seek advice.
The process is fluid, non-hierarchical and open to changing partners.
Significant transitivity effects indicate that the processes of knowledge
sharing can be supported by mediation and brokerage. Originality: Hospital
administrators can use this method to assess knowledge-sharing dynamics, design
and evaluate professional development initiatives, and promote new
organizational structures that break down communication silos. Our work
contributes to the literature on knowledge sharing in healthcare by adopting a
social network approach, going beyond the dyadic level, and assessing the
indirect influence of peers' relationships on individual networks.
