An analysis of knowledge management practices at lilongwe university of agriculture and natural resources, Malawi

Abstract

Knowledge management constitutes all the processes in which knowledge assets are mobilised to create value for an organisation. Knowledge is derived from information, which is processed data. In universities, knowledge is generated through research. The current study targeted academic and senior administrative staff at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). It was underpinned by the Socialisation Externalisation Combination and Internalisation (SECI) Knowledge Creation Model. Using a mixed-method approach, a survey and case study designs were used to collect data while a census was used to get a sample of 173. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings of the study revealed that LUANAR, Bunda Campus creates theses, dissertations, emails, memos, policies and minutes as the main types of explicit knowledge while expertise, skills and experiences as the main types of tacit knowledge. However, the curation of plant and animal specimens was identified as a special type of knowledge the University creates. The knowledge is mainly shared through emails and meetings which enhance research, teaching and facilitate learning, help in the curriculum development process and improve decision-making. On the other hand, the study unveiled that inadequate awareness about the importance of knowledge management, lack of top management support, lack of knowledge management policy and lack of knowledge management advocate/champion impede the knowledge management practices. Therefore, the study recommends that top management should initially identify a knowledge management advocate/champion to extensively conduct knowledge management awareness and drive the knowledge management agenda at the institution. The knowledge management champion should also initiate the development of a knowledge management policy and the establishment of a knowledge management unit to coordinate knowledge management activities.