Knowledge management process in two learning organisations

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to study how knowledge management (KM) practices are carried out in learning organisations. It seeks to find out; how learning organisations carry out KM practices and whether there are any specific KM attributes that differentiate high learning organisations from low learning organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe research is carried out in two information technology (IT) organisations. Qualitative data obtained from these two organisations are analysed using the grounded theory approach.FindingsFour themes of KM process emerged after the data were subjected to grounded theory analysis. These are: knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge up‐gradation, and knowledge retention. The two sample organisations were compared on these dimensions. Two concepts emerged from this comparison, namely, knowledge enablers and knowledge inhibitors.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to find out the pattern of KM systems in two learning organisations (high learning and low learning). The findings shed some light on different themes of KM existent in low and high learning organisations and how they differ in their KM attributes.