KSource: Transforming Knowledge Access, Sharing, and Reuse at Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton LLP provides audit, tax, and advisory services to clients in more than 100 countries. It launched its formal knowledge management (KM) function in 2007 as part of an effort to improve firm-wide access to knowledge and enhance sharing across geographical locations. Despite the global economic downturn that ensued, the firm was able to grow its KM capabilities quickly and embed knowledge sharing and reuse in key business processes. In fiscal year 2012, its revenue grew 9.3 percent for a total of $1.21 billion—a record revenue punctuated by growth across all major service lines and strong performance in the firm’s industry program. This case study describes Grant Thornton's KM journey, the tools and approaches it has put in place, and the steps it has taken to cultivate a knowledge-sharing culture.