Comparative Analysis of Knowledge Management Strategy in China and Developed Countries: A Creative and Catch-up Symmetrical Model

Abstract

China’s high-priority effort to become a more knowledge-based economy and society means that the knowledge resource is becoming increasingly important. However, most of the literature on the knowledge management (KM) strategy has been dominated by studies of knowledge creation in developed countries, few studies are present which discuss the proper KM strategy to reflect China’s developing economy. This paper aims to discuss what KM is and to propose a KM framework for supporting Chinese corporation development compared with KM in developed countries. We develop a symmetrical model which identifies the three core processes of catch-up KM strategy in China, compared the core processes of creative KM strategy in developed countries. Furthermore, the most notable influential factors in each phase is explored to complete this holistic model. Practically, this framework provides a guideline for effective KM strategies in China, compared with KM strategies in developed countries. Theoretically, such an integrated approach including symmetrical analysis and comparative analysis provides significant academic implications for future research.