Adoption Of Knowledge Management Practices Research Articles

Knowledge management is no more a gray area in the tourism industry in India – a study on transformation leadership and executive communication

PurposeConsidering the important role of knowledge management in the global growth of world economies, the importance of knowledge management in the tourism industry can hardly be overestimated. Knowledge management, empowering leadership and innovation can open new research prospects for online travel and tourism, thereby increasing organizational capacity. In this context, this study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management practices and transformational leadership, along with the mediating role in this relationship of leadership communication. Knowledge management practices are discussed through the lens of managers’/organizational perspectives working in the online travel and tourism industry.Design/methodology/approachUsing a descriptive research method, the data were collected from a total of 174 managers/senior executives working in the online travel and tourism sectors. The proposed conceptual framework was evaluated using structural equation modeling through AMOS 21 and Process Macro (SPSS-Plugin).FindingsThe results revealed a significant increase in the adoption of knowledge management practices in the online travel and tourism sector under transformative leadership. The results also highlighted that effective communication is a vital contributor and significant complementary mediator in the relationship between transformative leadership and knowledge management practices.Practical implicationsThe results of this study suggest that transformational leaders, who are equipped with the “high touch” nature of leadership and the “high tech” aspect of the contemporary workplace, are the best fit to manage online travel and tourism organizations. To have an adequate knowledge management system, knowledge managers should adopt a transformative leadership style and receive comprehensive training in developing leadership abilities such as effective communication competencies.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that, in emerging online travel and tourism sectors, organizational knowledge can be managed through effective leadership communication.

DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES

Dynamic capabilities analyze the sources and methods of better performance and wealth creation and capture by firms operating in environments of rapid technological changes. Based on this, The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between absorptive, adaptive, and innovation capabilities on financial and non-financial performance of family businesses was analyzed in the context of emerging economies, a relationship that has not been analyzed in this context. Through the application of structural equation modeling in a sample of 235 family businesses of agricultural supplies and machinery, located in the G46 and G47 categories of the International Standard Industrial Classification – ISIC, the results allowed us to identify that absorptive capability has a positive influence on financial performance, while innovation capability has a positive influence on no-financial performance. No evidence was found that other capabilities were related to the performance of the organizations analyzed. In addition, it was shown that the size of the companies does not generate any moderating effect in the relationship between these variables. This study contributes to dynamic capabilities theory by exploring how absorptive and innovative capabilities influence financial and non-financial performance in a specific and underexplored context: family businesses in emerging economies. Furthermore, the importance of developing and enhancing absorptive and innovation capabilities is highlighted. This could lead to the implementation of training programs, investment in R&D, and adoption of knowledge management practices.

ICT as enabler for the adoption of knowledge management practices in selected north-west Nigeria federal university libraries

Managing knowledge in libraries is an essential role in librarianship. Information and communication technology (ICT) is an enabler that facilitate library routines including knowledge management practices. The objectives of this study include to assess the level of adoption of knowledge management practices, to establish the extent of ICT application in knowledge management and assess the relevance of ICT facilities in knowledge management practices in university libraries. This study applied descriptive research and had a target population of three hundred and ninety-three (393) librarians and the sample size of the study was 191. Questionnaires method were used for data collection. Descriptive statistic methods was used in analyzing the data collected while tables, frequencies, percentages and charts were used for tabulation and presentation. This study found out that university libraries often applied information and communication technology (ICT) in performing library routines (activities). The study also established that ICT was used to share knowledge among librarians and available ICT facilities were used to provide different services in the university libraries. The study recommend that the university and library management should invest greatly by improving the budget of library to enable the library to install relevant facilities/tools and materials for IT literacy.

Grassroot processes of knowledge sharing to build social innovation capabilities

PurposeThis study aims to offer an empirical analysis to identify the relation between the adoption of knowledge management practices and the improvement of social innovation capabilities as an outcome of the knowledge sharing. Specifically, social innovation capabilities are triggered by knowledge-sharing enablers, such as intrinsic and extrinsic socially driven motivations.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample from 300 nonprofit organizations, the study explains causal relationships in terms of the multiplicity of triggers that act on a social innovation capability. The research applied the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method through SmartPLS 3.3 software. Data are collected from an online survey and highlight the employees’ and volunteers’ boost in nonprofit organizations to seek positive social change as a priority goal of their business model.FindingsThe results support the existence of a direct and positive relationship between knowledge-sharing enablers (i.e. intrinsic and extrinsic socially driven motivations), the mechanism of the formation of knowledge-sharing behaviors (an inside-out and outside-in process) and social innovation capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study combines the open innovation framework with social innovation activities and investigates the role of knowledge sharing in the building of social innovation capabilities. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first attempt to describe a synergic framework, including open innovation literature, social innovation capability and knowledge-sharing processes.Originality/valueThis paper is a part of the research stream that focuses on the processes of distribution of knowledge flows along the boundaries of the organization. Thus, this study broadens the field of knowledge management and social innovation initiatives.

Major Drivers to Innovation in Higher Education Institutions of Developing Countries

In both developed and developing countries, innovation in higher education improves decision-making capabilities and contributes to institutional growth. Similarly, all higher education institutions naturally store and access knowledge in some manner and these institutions are expected to be at the cutting edge of such innovation. To this date, institutional recognition determines if a higher education institution meets or surpasses the minimum standards of quality education across the globe. Knowledge-sharing builds collective knowledge, retains knowledge and increases innovation capabilities. Higher education institutions in developing countries should be comparable to their counterparts in developed countries. The study therefore explores the key drivers to innovation in higher education institutions of developing countries using a survey strategy. The study collected different views from academics on the core drivers to innovation. An adequate sample of 240 participants was carefully chosen from 4 state universities in Zimbabwe, a developing country in Africa, with a 66.6% response rate. The research participants were actively involved in higher education functions of teaching, learning and research. After performing reliability tests on the data collection instruments, the researcher performed a descriptive analysis to measure the effect of the drivers towards the much needed innovation in higher education institutions. The empirical findings confirm that the most important driver for innovation in higher education institutions is Knowledge Management, followed by technological advances, competitive advantage and globalisation. It was established that technology is an enabler to higher education functions and is now embedded into teaching, learning and research. This educational transformation empowers academics with technical skills. The adoption of Knowledge Management practices supported by up-to-date technology will certainly improve the capabilities of these institutions. Because knowledge cannot be imitated by institutions to gain a competitive advantage, properly investing in Knowledge Management should certainly strengthen an institution into more competitiveness. The study therefore recommends the adoption of Knowledge Management practices for all higher education institutions in developing countries.

Knowledge Creativity and The Sustainability of Public Hospitals In South-South Nigeria: A Regression Analysis

The specific objective of the study was to ascertain the extent to which knowledge creativity influences the sustainability of public hospitals in South-South Nigeria. The study employed a correlation design. A sample of 596 respondents was selected from twelve categorized public hospitals in South-South, Nigeria. Thirty-four questions were formulated in the questionnaire in line with the stated objective of the study. A total of 596 copies of the questionnaire were administered, and 551 copies were collected, showing 92 per cent responses, ten responses were rejected, and 541 documents constituting 90 per cent of the questionnaire were analyzed. The results showed a significant positive relationship between knowledge creation and sustainability of public hospitals in South-South Nigeria. The study concluded that knowledge creativity is a tool to facilitate healthcare organizational performance and productivity towards quality service delivery. The study, therefore, recommends that the administrators in healthcare organizations should be mindful that adoption of knowledge management practices would be dependent on leadership, information technology, infrastructure, organizational behaviour and supporting policies of human resource management.

Knowledge management practices in an agribusiness chain: differences between farmers who are members of agricultural cooperatives and suppliers of firms

PurposeDriven by scientific and technological intensification, Brazilian agribusinesses are among the main food producers and exporters worldwide. Knowledge management contributes to the development of agribusinesses. The objective of this study is to analyze knowledge management practices in the supply chain of broilers at the level of farmers and compare the differences between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from a sample of broiler farmers (n = 240, where 80 respondents are associated with cooperatives) from Brazil, descriptive statistics were used to measure the four knowledge management dimensions (leadership, people, process and technology). The Mann–Whitney test was performed to verify the difference in the adoption of knowledge management practices between farmers who are members of cooperatives, and those who are suppliers of firms.FindingsThe results showed significant differences between the analyzed groups of broiler farmers that are members of an agricultural cooperative and suppliers of firms. Farmers who supply firms adopt knowledge management practices with greater intensity. They are also more technified and have a larger scale of production.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a single agribusiness chain. Future studies may look at another method of knowledge management assessment to see if the results will be similar.Practical implicationsThe results can contribute to the development of programs and policies, incorporating knowledge management into agribusiness as a competitive strategy.Originality/valueWhile knowledge management is a widely studied topic, there has been little focus on this subject with regard to agribusiness. Empirical findings of an important agribusiness supply chain are provided and show the differences in knowledge management perceptions between farmers who are members of cooperatives and those who are suppliers of firms.

Exploring knowledge management practices in third-party logistics service providers

PurposeThis paper aims to explore knowledge management (KM) practices implemented by third-party logistics service companies (3PLs) and the main barriers slowing down the adoption of such practices.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach used in this paper is based on a multiple case study analysis involving a set of 3PLs operating in Italy and Sweden. The empirical analysis has explored the KM practices used by 3PLs and the main barrier hindering their adoption.FindingsIn spite of some adoption, the findings suggest that 3PLs are not sufficiently realizing the full potential of KM. The evidence also indicates that there is a link between the type of 3PL company (in terms of the breadth and complexity of the services supplied) and the sophistication of KM tools adopted.Research limitations/implicationsFrom a research point of view, further research should focus on the validation of the link between the number and sophistication of KM tools used and the breadth of services supplied. Further research should also focus on exploring how KM can support 3PL companies in enhancing their performance.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, the findings may help the management of 3PL companies to take a more strategic approach to KM and thus its contribution to the firms’ overall goals. Additionally, it is critical to conduct a careful analysis of current and future KM needs to identify the most suitable KM solutions linked to the specific characteristics of the business in which 3PLs operate.Originality/valueThis study provides fresh insights into the adoption of KM practices in logistics service organizations. The findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding this topic and contribute to the further development of the study of KM.

Measuring the Value of Knowledge Management Practices at Government Research and Development Centers

During the last decade, many US government research and development centers adopted some type of knowledge management (KM) practice, either as a formal requirement or as part of a KM strategy to drive efficiency and remain competitive in the technology and intellectual capital marketplace. Many of these organizations implemented KM practices within their KM strategies, and many of these KM practices required similar tools and processes. However, KM implementation within the government sector has faced challenges. Some of the KM strategies provided integration of analytics and records management (explicit knowledge), and others addressed values‐based observations, culture change, and sharing of information (tacit knowledge). This paper evaluated productivity as measured by publication rates at selected research and development centers. These rates were evaluated before and after implementation of KM practices to determine if a statistically measurable relationship exists between the adoption of KM practices and comparative productivity values. Results showed that the three centers studied, even with governmental formalities, experienced increases in publication rates in the post‐KM period. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The application of knowledge management to software evolution

In complex software development projects, consistent planning and communication between the stakeholders is crucial for effective collaboration across the different stages in software construction. Taking the view of software development and maintenance as being part of the broader phenomenon of software evolution, this paper argues that the adoption of knowledge management practices in software engineering would improve both software construction and more particularly software maintenance. The research work presents a guidance model for both areas: knowledge management and software engineering, combining insights across corporate software projects as a means of evaluating the effects on people and organization, technology, workflows and processes.

Customer-centered knowledge management: challenges and implications for knowledge-based innovation in the public transport sector

Purpose – This study aims to explore the role of knowledge management practices in supporting current and emerging passengers’ and customer needs, aiming to create value. Specifically, the research examines the importance of customer-centred knowledge management in the delivery of innovative services and practices in the public transport sector, promoting the role of interactions between mobility stakeholders and travellers. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical framework is developed and supported by the background literature on customer-centric knowledge management approaches, business model innovation, as well as on inter-organisational and network co-operations. Findings – Results show that the development of sustainable innovation and technologies in the transport sector requires knowledge management practices, which enable the access to knowledge about users’ needs, the mapping and evaluation of innovative knowledge, the promotion of knowledge-based innovation through collective approaches, as well as the acquisition and integration of new knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual framework developed in the paper remains limited to a theoretical understanding. Further research should empirically examine knowledge issues related to the intangible character and intellectual capital intensiveness of innovation in the transport sector. Practical implications – Researchers, public transport companies and public transport authorities are expected to benefit from this research, by developing mechanisms for customer-centred knowledge management, which is found to lead to innovative services and practices in the public transport sector. Another practical implication regards the adoption of knowledge management practices, leading to technological innovations in public transport, and advancing the level of sustainability in transport systems. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in the development of a customer-focussed knowledge management framework, which provides a novel perspective of value creation in an attempt to engage researchers and practitioners from the transport industry in the conceptualisation and development of innovative solutions.

Capacity building of knowledge management among research institutes: Reflections from the GDNET experience

As the knowledge management and research communications arm of the Global Development Network, GDNet builds the capacity of researchers from developing and transition countries to inform global development research and policy. In its early years, GDNet focused on information and knowledge management staff in developing country research institutes, recognising the importance of this group in moving locally generated research into policy. From 2005 onwards, GDNet piloted a series of knowledge management workshops in Africa, and in 2007, organised a two‐day conference in Cairo, in partnership with the ACBF and the World Bank Institute, to share and examine its findings with others. Called “Knowledge Management as an Enabler of Change and Innovation in Africa”, the conference brought together the experiences and lessons learned from efforts to build knowledge management capacity from across the African continent. In 2007, the discussion centered on two key themes: the need to create an enabling environment for the adoption of knowledge management practices in Africa and the importance of indigenous knowledge assets as inputs to poverty alleviation strategies. In exploring these themes, speakers highlighted several key challenges in “efforts towards building effective communication strategies and building a ‘knowledge friendly culture’ in the continent” (GDN, 2007). The 20th anniversary of ACBF is a timely opportunity to revisit the discussions of 2007, to question progress made towards meeting these challenges and share with delegates how GDNet’s capacity building activities have evolved in the light of the conference findings.

Knowledge Management in Secondary Education: A Case Study of an Australian Private School

Knowledge Management has been of interest in the commercial and public sectors of our economies for over a decade. Paradoxically, it is observed that the education sector generally performs poorly when it comes to knowledge sharing and diffusion and has been slow to recognize the opportunity of knowledge management discipline. This case study focuses on St Michael's Grammar School an Australian Independent School and how it has approached the issue of knowledge management with a view to improving operating performance. The study concludes there are a number of opportunities for St Michael's' to improve productivity through the adoption of knowledge management practices. Further, given the limited adoption of knowledge management practice in the education sector generally St Michael's has the opportunity to build its profile as an innovative organisation and enhance its leadership reputation in the community. © Common Ground.

Knowledge management as an enabler of change and innovation in Africa

In recent years, mainstreaming knowledge management practices in government processes has assumed increasing importance. How have governments in Africa, if at all, incorporated knowledge management in governance and how inclusive has this process been? This paper will attempt to answer these key questions by examining the experiences and lessons learned in efforts to build knowledge management capacity across Africa. In doing so, the paper will provide a summary of the key presentations of the latest two-day conference, Knowledge Management as an Enabler of Change and Innovation in Africa (Cairo, 2007). Central to discussions was the need to create an enabling environment encouraging the adoption of knowledge management practices in Africa and the utilisation of indigenous knowledge assets as an important input in poverty alleviation strategies. More importantly, the paper outlines the challenges that can be observed and what opportunities for building the Africa Knowledge System are available. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of strategic and policy implications of these findings for achieving sustainable development in Africa.

An exploration of knowledge management practices in Colombia

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the status of knowledge management (KM) practices in private, public and academic sectors in Colombia.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 50 organizations in Colombia, among the private, public and academic sectors. This was done through analysis of field research, including documentation, an online survey, and conversations with local Colombians representing private, public and academic organizations.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that, although there is a low level of adoption of KM practices in Colombia, there are some interesting cases of organizations that provide exemplars in this field of KM. This demonstrates a growing acceptance of best practices in KM which have been exported and developed in country firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is a limitation and future research should expand the sample of the analysis of KM practices in Colombia and other nations in Latin America.Practical implicationsThis study provides a clearer understanding of the status of KM in Colombia and the potential of KM adoption in other Latin American organizations.Originality/valueScholars and practitioners from all over the world are working to understand the value of KM in various countries. Yet, despite this, no specific research has been conducted on identifying KM practices in Colombia. The results of this research on Colombia provide a benchmark for both scholars and practitioners of KM.

Using conversational agents to support the adoption of knowledge sharing practices

In this paper, we present an agent-based system designed to support the adoption of knowledge sharing practices within communities. The system is based on a conceptual framework that, by modelling the adoption of knowledge management practices as a change process, identifies the pedagogical strategies best suited to support users through the various stages of the adoption process. Learning knowledge management practices is seen as a continuous process, taking place at individual and social level that includes the acquisition of information, as well as the contextual use of the information acquired. The resulting community-based system provides each member of the community with an artificial personal change-management agent capable of guiding users in the acquisition and adoption of new knowledge sharing practices by activating personalised and contextualised intervention.

Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management

As organizations in Singpore respond to the pressures of globalization, the adoption of knowledge management practices becomes more prevalent. In a hurry to implement this new business paradigm, organizations may have overlooked the influence of the cultural context which is commonly considered one of the pillars of knowledge management in a western-oriented organization. This paper examines what was overlooked by Singapore organizations while moving towards knowledge management. Specifically, it studies the impact of organizational culture on knowledge management processes. A review of literature shows that there is a relationship between cultural factors and knowledge management processes. This relationship is reflected in a research model that helps to answer research questions and to formulate hypotheses for testing. The result indicates that knowledge management should consider not just the technological aspects of implementation but also the cultural, leadership and contextual aspects of an organization.