An evaluation of inter-organisational identity theft knowledge sharing practice in the UK retail sector

Abstract

Knowledge is an essential source of competitive advantage in modern society and is particularly important in the current on-line environment due to increased business interactions throughout the world. Knowledge sharing initiatives taken by organisations to improve technicalities to tackle cyber threat have been extensively investigated. A particular focus of this study was on the security professionals sharing their learning experience in order to help address and mitigate identity theft. Multiple case studies were employed to interpret the triangulated data collected. ShoppingCo, PaymentCo, TeleCo, and NetworkingCo participated in this investigation. Semi structured interviews were scheduled and conducted in conjunction to company reports, personal communication, presentation slides and related materials was gathered to ensure trustworthiness and authenticity. Pattern matching analysis was employed to draw conclusions by evaluating 30 transcripts and 11 internal documents.

The major theoretical contribution of this study was the proposal of a conceptual framework that adapts for private sector organisations knowledge sharing elements in the security profession. Lack of knowledge of the manager’s role is addressed. Current knowledge sharing and corporate communication practices are synthesised. Formal and informal communication, social forums and networking events are evaluated. Thus, improving the current understanding of identity theft.

This empirical study contributes to an improved understanding of inter-organisational knowledge sharing practice within three retailers and an official networking forum. Because of this evaluation, an extended framework is proposed and components synthesised into a new framework. Recommendations are drawn based on an evaluation of what is working and what does not seem to be providing benefits with regard to knowledge that address and mitigate identity theft. The framework suggested that the key to improved knowledge sharing was to persuade a range of security officials working for different private sector organisations to share their knowledge of identity theft prevention.