Measuring knowledge management maturity in U.S. Army headquarters

Abstract

This study demonstrates the application of the Knowledge Management Maturity Model (KM3), developed by the U.S. Army Knowledge Management Proponency Office and modelled after the American Productivity and Quality Center's (APQC) maturity model. The KM3 model measures the maturity within the organization of knowledge management components to visualize and achieve mission performance. This study proposes the measures that serve as the determinants of optimal mission performance for military organizations. The research question is are these measures appropriate, measurable, and sustainable over time? Eleven U.S. Army Headquarters organizations were examined to assess each organization's KM Maturity level. Using the KM3 as a self‐assessment tool, each organization assessed their knowledge management maturity using data from purposeful sampling through qualitative focus groups. Having articulated our findings, we conclude that the results of this study provide some support that the KM3 Model is both appropriate and measurable but further study is required to determine whether it is sustainable.