Knowledge Management Initiatives Research Articles

Organizational Knowledge and Knowledge Management - A New Framework

The transition of firms from the Resource-based view (RBV) to the Knowledge-based view (KBV) where knowledge is viewed as the principal resource for value creation and sustainable competitive advantage created a renewed interest among researchers to understand knowledge per se, and the concept of organizational knowledge. This interest has further been fueled by the advent of the concept of Knowledge Management (KM). With some discussions on knowledge, this paper presents a new framework for organizational knowledge and the knowledge flow within the firm. The author has pointed out that most of the research on KM has been with the firm as a business organization (where the focus is on short-term return on investment) and that is the reason many KM initiatives often stop at IT-based initiatives or fail, and fuel the fear that KM is simply just another fad. Many KM models and frameworks present KM best practices without addressing the contextual differences between organizations. In this paper, the author has presented a knowledge perspective of four different types of organizations based on their knowledge manipulation activities and suggests that KM programs need to be custom designed to cater to the different needs of the different types of organizations. The author has also suggested a new KM framework based on the dynamics of knowledge that organizations are facing today. The author developed the two frameworks during the implementation of KM initiatives at the Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, a premier research institution under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, during the years 1999 to 2003.

Knowledge and culture influences on quality of care: A mixed methods approach

Concerns about the quality of care provided to patients have been recently revisited in the healthcare management literature, driven by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality of care is a complex measure of healthcare performance that relies on optimizing healthcare knowledge. Knowledge management initiatives and practices in healthcare remain difficult to implement and develop – presenting a managerial challenge that must coexist in a competitive environment. This paper aims to study the contribution of knowledge-management systems, knowledge-sharing behavior, and competitive culture to the quality of care provided to patients. We use a mixed-methods approach to explore a research model in a sequence of two studies. Research data comes from a sample of 323 healthcare professionals in Portuguese healthcare organizations. Quantitative results show that both knowledge-management systems and a competitive culture positively influence the quality of care. Results also show a positive influence of knowledge-sharing behavior on the quality of care. Complementarily, qualitative results reveal two configurations leading to quality of care. The first highlights the role of knowledge-management systems alone as sufficient to provide quality of care. A second configuration involves cumulative contributions of competitive culture and individual knowledge sharing, leading to quality of care. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and a model for quality of care creation is offered. Limitations are acknowledged and future work directions are presented.

Innovation Capability and Sustainable Performance Through Knowledge Management in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Knowledge management (KM) across organizations is based on the realization that integrating knowledge or more broadly intellectual capital (IC) both inside and outside the enterprise helps enhance the innovation capability (INC) and sustainable performance (SUP) of enterprises. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of internal intellectual capital (IIC), external intellectual capital (EIC), and social capital (SOC) on INC and SUP through KM in SMEs. The survey questionnaire was sent to managers working in Vietnamese SMEs. SPSS and AMOS software were used for data analysis. The results indicate that IIC, EIC, and SOC have positive impacts on the INC and SUP of SMEs through KM activities. These findings hope to be useful for scholars and especially SME owners to understand more thoroughly the relationships between IC, SOC, and KM, as well as the influence of these relationships on INC and SUP, while providing new insight and useful suggestions for owners of SMEs in acquiring and exploiting knowledge from outside to fill knowledge gaps within the enterprise.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES INTELLECTUALIZATION AND DIGITALIZATION DEVELOPMENT

Objective. The purpose of the research is to deepen the methodological and applied foundations of knowledge management in the conditions of industrial enterprises intellectualization and digitalization development. Methodology. The methodological basis of the research article is a set of theories and concepts that contribute to a full understanding of the knowledge management process of the content at an enterprise in the context of intellectualization and digitalization: theories of knowledge economy, entrepreneurship, institutionalism, microeconomic theory of knowledge management, theory of new knowledge acquisition; the concept of information society; the concept of intellectual capital; the concept of social capital. The methodology is based on system analysis as a scientific method of researching the enterprise knowledge management functions. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods of data and information collection and analysis; methods of analytical, situational analysis and synthesis; comparative analysis, generalization of scientific experience of modern theoretical research, and a systemic and integrated approach. Results. The article outlines the important role of knowledge management in creating competitive advantages, increasing the value of enterprises and ensuring their long-term sustainable development. A new understanding of the essence of the categories of “knowledge management of an industrial enterprise” and “knowledge management system of an industrial enterprise” has been proposed. A theoretical generalization of the concept of knowledge management of industrial enterprises has been carried out. The article describes new trends in the knowledge management system based on the synergistic relationship between technological components and behavioral aspects in management. The scientific novelty lies in improving the methodology and concept of an integrated knowledge management system and methodological support for its effective practical application. The implementation of the knowledge management system in the conditions of intellectualization and digitalization is substantiated, which improves knowledge accumulation processes, integrates knowledge into the field of the enterprise activity and ensures the exchange of knowledge between employees and key stakeholders. Modern knowledge management tools that enable intellectualization and high-quality digitalization of an enterprise are identified. Recommendations for improving knowledge management at industrial enterprises have been developed, as well as mechanisms for their practical implementation have been proposed. Practical significance of the obtained results. The author’s developments and recommendations can be used to effectively use the intellectual potential of an enterprises to increase economic added value through the growth of organizational knowledge.

Role of Knowledge Management Practices in Enhancing Innovation and Competitiveness in the Ethiopian Leather Industry

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of knowledge management practices in enhancing innovation and competitiveness in the Ethiopian leather industry.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The role of knowledge management practices in enhancing innovation and competitiveness in the Ethiopian leather industry is significant. Through effective knowledge management strategies, such as knowledge sharing, transfer, and utilization, firms can capitalize on their intellectual capital to foster innovation and improve competitiveness. By leveraging existing knowledge assets and creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Ethiopian leather companies can position themselves for sustained growth and success in both domestic and international markets.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, dynamic capabilities theory & social capital theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of knowledge management practices in enhancing innovation and competitiveness in the Ethiopian leather industry. Organizations within the Ethiopian leather industry should invest in capacity-building programs to enhance employees' knowledge management capabilities. Government policies should be formulated to support knowledge management initiatives and innovation in the Ethiopian leather industry.

The Linkage Between Knowledge Management Practices and Sustainable Business Growth: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between knowledge management (KM) and lasting company expansion within a specific group of family enterprises located in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study encompasses an examination of six distinct sub-variables, namely knowledge sharing, knowledge training, knowledge capture, knowledge transfer, knowledge acquisition, and knowledge application, in relation to the variable of knowledge management. Additionally, it considers four dependent sub-variables, namely profitability, number of employees, customer base, and market share, in relation to the variable of sustainable business growth.
  
 Methods: A survey research methodology was employed in this study to examine the correlation between knowledge management and business performance among a specific group of family companies located in Lagos State, Nigeria. This article employed a cross-sectional survey research design and utilised a quantitative technique. This design was adopted based on the research topic and its associated research questions. This paper utilised the previous research methodology employed by Olubiyi, Egwakhe, Amos, and Ajayi (2019), Olubiyi (2019), Olubiyi, Lawal, & Adeoye (2022), Olubiyi (2022), and Olubiyi, Jubril, Sojinu, and Ngari (2022). The study employed a cross-sectional survey approach and focused on a population of family businesses, specifically owners/managers of selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State, Nigeria.
  
 Results and Conclusion: The findings is consistent with the conceptual framework and these studies (Fulgence, Hu, Larbi-Siaw, Tuo, & Gnahe, 2022; Ge & Campopiano, 2021; Ha, Lo, Suaidi, Mohamad,& Razak,2021; Hernández‐Perlines, Moreno‐García, & Yáñez‐Araque, 2017; Inkinen, 2016; Majid, Mahmud, 2019; Marija, 2022; Olubiyi, 2020; Patwary, Alwi, Rehman, Rabiul, Babatunde, & Alam, 2022; Santoro, Messeni-Petruzzelli, & Del Giudice, 2021; Shafique, Kalyar, Patwary, Alwi, Rehman, Rabiul, Babatunde, & Alam, 2022; Shafique, Kianto, & Beh, 2022; Su, & Daspit, 2021; Tan, Hii,. & Cheong, 2022; Torabi, & El-Den, 2017; Zamfir, 2022). Furthermore, the findings of the research validate the empirical data about the correlation between knowledge management strategies and the long-term viability of family enterprises. Evidence suggests that the growth of enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria is significantly influenced by several factors such as knowledge training, knowledge generation, knowledge capture, information sharing, knowledge transfer, and knowledge application. The data analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between knowledge management techniques and the long-term survival of family firms (R2=0.252, F(6, 461)=27.167; p<0.05).
  
 Research implication: The report acknowledges that its findings and implications are specific to Lagos, Nigeria, with a primary focus on family enterprises. Hence, the research might be further extended by conducting comparable studies on major corporations in Nigeria or other regions. In order to enhance the generalizability and reliability of the findings, it is advisable to increase the sample size by incorporating a larger number of respondents through the use of new data collection methods. The primary obstacle in getting objective performance metrics in the majority of family businesses in Lagos State, Nigeria, was the lack of data. Consequently, non-financial performance indicators were employed as a solution.
  
 Originality/value: The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between knowledge management (KM) and sustainable business growth within a specific group of family companies located in Lagos State, Nigeria. This study enhances the understanding of knowledge management strategies employed by owner-managers in family businesses, making it relevant to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and scholars. The research presents an innovative analysis of current sources, specifically focusing on the primary metrics employed to assess the knowledge management and sustainable business expansion of family enterprises. This study addresses the want for enhanced lucidity and comprehension within the family business industry.

Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises: Literature Review and Research Agenda

Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises: Literature Review and Research Agenda

Large Language Models and Applications: The Rebirth of Enterprise Knowledge Management and the Rise of Prompt Libraries

Large Language Models and Applications: The Rebirth of Enterprise Knowledge Management and the Rise of Prompt Libraries

Procedures for transferring organizational knowledge during generational change: A systematic review

The loss of organizational knowledge has emerged as a prevalent issue for 21st-century organizations. This systematic review aims to scrutinize knowledge transfer procedures applied to individuals in managerial and intermediate positions during generational change or knowledge management initiatives. Following the PRISMA statement [1], this review progressed through four stages, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ultimately identifying 28 articles for the final analysis. Descriptive indicators and content-related metrics were employed in the study. Key findings include: (1) predominant investment in knowledge retention studies and procedure design is observed among large companies, primarily in the secondary sector; (2) digitalization emerges as a critical aspect of effective organizational knowledge transfer procedures and protocols; (3) intra-organizational communication styles are predominantly employed for knowledge transfer; (4) organizations prefer a collective approach to transferring both tacit and explicit knowledge. In summary, this research offers fresh insights into a pivotal area of business management, showcasing originality in its exploration of knowledge transfer within the realms of generational change and knowledge management.

The relationship between digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency – based on the perspective of external knowledge sources

Purpose Driven by the development of the global digital economy, knowledge management in industrial enterprises offers more possibilities for green innovation. Based on the perspective of external knowledge sources, this study aims to construct a panel regression model to explore the relationship between digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency. Design/methodology/approach Panel data from 30 regions in China from 2011 to 2020 were selected as research samples. All data are obtained from national and provincial statistical yearbooks. Coupling coordination degree analysis, entropy method, panel regression analysis, robustness test and threshold effect test by Stata 16.0 were used to test the hypotheses. Findings The empirical results demonstrate the hypotheses and reveal the following findings: the digital economy is positively related to industrial green innovation efficiency and external knowledge sources, and external knowledge sources mediate the relationship between them. Moreover, based on the threshold test results, the digital economy has a double-threshold effect on industrial green innovation efficiency. Originality/value Based on the perspective of external knowledge sources, the proposed mediating mechanism between the digital economy and industrial green innovation efficiency has not been established previously, further enriching the research on the antecedents and outcomes of external knowledge sources. Moreover, this study estimated the direct influence mechanism and double-threshold effect of the digital economy on industrial green innovation efficiency from theoretical and empirical analysis, thus responding to the call of scholars and adding to existing research on how the digital economy affects the green transformation of industrial enterprises.

A Conceptual Framework for Measuring Organizational Performance through Knowledge Management and Training

This paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework designed to evaluate organizational performance by integrating knowledge management (KM) strategies and training initiatives. In contemporary business environments, where knowledge serves as a primary asset, organizations increasingly recognize the critical role of effective knowledge management and training programs in enhancing performance. However, existing frameworks often lack holistic approaches that consider the interplay between these two vital components. Drawing upon theoretical insights from organizational theory, human resource management, and knowledge management literature, this framework synthesizes key dimensions and indicators essential for assessing organizational performance. The proposed framework incorporates elements such as knowledge creation, acquisition, dissemination, utilization, and retention, intertwined with tailored training interventions aimed at enhancing employee competencies and capabilities. By delineating these interconnected dimensions, the framework offers a systematic approach for organizations to evaluate the efficacy of their knowledge management and training initiatives in driving organizational performance. Furthermore, the framework provides a basis for future empirical research and practical applications in diverse organizational contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between knowledge management, training, and organizational performance.

Performing a Knowledge Audit Within a South African Chemical Manufacturer

Despite the increased efforts of organisations to implement knowledge management (KM) initiatives, many fail. Performing a knowledge audit before embarking on KM activities increases the probability of success. In this interpretive case study, the authors applied a modified version of the knowledge audit methodology developed by Perez-Soltero et al. to a South African (SA) veterinary medicine, fine chemical, and pharmaceutical manufacturer. The authors engaged members of the organisation in focus group sessions and individual interviews to identify knowledge assets related to core processes within the organisation. They used the data from the focus groups and individual interviews to identify and articulate many of the knowledge assets at the core of the organisation's current success. In addition, the process of conducting a knowledge audit and making the steps explicit while adjusting for context, may inform researchers and practitioners in terms of knowledge audit approach.

Knowledge Repositories for Managing Knowledge in Learning Organizations

Learning organizations create a phenomenal amount of scholarly knowledge as part of their academic discourse and research activities. This scholarly knowledge must be preserved and made accessible to other members. The absence of tools and strategies to facilitate the storage and accessibility of knowledge and information resources poses lots of challenges for the growth of learning organizations, particularly, learning organizations in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to assess the deployment of knowledge repositories in learning organizations toward effective knowledge creation, use, sharing, retention, and retrieval. The study employed the triangulation design and online survey research. The triangulation helped in the collection of quantitative data followed by qualitative instruments (interviews) to find answers to pertinent questions and issues that were insufficiently addressed in the questionnaire responses. Nine (9) learning organizations in Ghana participated in this study. The study established that knowledge repositories and technology played critical roles in managing knowledge in learning organizations. However, the knowledge repositories were not user-friendly and fully utilized or accessible for knowledge management practices at the learning organizations. Also, the absence of fully integrated ICT Tools and Infrastructure inhibited the effective promotion of knowledge management initiatives at the learning organizations. The study concludes by developing a knowledge repository architecture for knowledge management in learning organizations.    

Organizational learning, leadership style and knowledge management in enterprises: Basis for innovation performance improvement

Organizational learning, leadership style and knowledge management in enterprises: Basis for innovation performance improvement

Optimizing User Engagement in Enterprise Knowledge Management: Insights and Innovations from a Confluence Pages Project

In the pursuit of enhancing user engagement within Confluence-based knowledge repositories, this paper details the development of an advanced scoring system tailored to evaluate content efficacy. Central to this system is the normalization of disparate content metrics against a common scale and the strategic weighting of key performance indicators—such as engagement, timeliness of updates, frequency of edits, content length, and collaborative contributions. The confluence of these metrics culminates in a composite score per content piece, enabling a nuanced appraisal of its value. Employing Z-scores for benchmarking facilitates the delineation of content into actionable tiers, thus informing a data-driven approach to content management. This scoring framework, with its capacity to quantify and qualify user-content interaction, presents a transformative tool for knowledge management, ensuring that content not only resonates with its audience but also aligns with organizational objectives.

An investigation into knowledge management adoption and sustainable competitive advantage in an emerging market economy

Purpose Organizations sustain competitiveness by improving product or service quality, performing efficiently or innovating. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in business organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The KM initiatives are categorized into knowledge creation, knowledge storage, knowledge transfer and knowledge application. Employees’ attitudes toward workplace knowledge resources are derived from their perceptions of their importance, usefulness and ease of use. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a cross-sectional survey design. Data is collected via an electronic questionnaire developed using Google Forms. Purposive sampling used a list of 122 business organizations. Ninety responses were received and taken into consideration for data analysis. Findings Spearman correlation analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling revealed a positive association between KM and SCA. This study reflected a positive association between employees’ attitudes toward knowledge resources and sustaining organizations’ competitive advantages. Originality/value In Bahrain, empirical studies still need to be developed to explore KM in business organizations and investigate its association with SCA. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between KM and the sustainability of quality, efficiency and innovation-based competitive advantages in business organizations in an emerging economy context.

Digitalization of business models, knowledge management and green technology innovation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises: a mixed analysis based on the Haier COSMOPlat ecosystem

ABSTRACT Under the wave of global digital development, deepening the digital application in the production process of traditional manufacturing enterprises and promoting the digitalization, networking, intelligence and ecological upgrading of business models of manufacturing enterprises have become an important starting point for countries to promote the ‘green sustainable development’ strategy. However, the mechanism of the digitalization of business models of traditional manufacturing enterprises on green technology innovation remains under-studied. In view of this, based on the Haier COSMOPlat business ecosystem, this paper adopts a mixed analysis method of case study and empirical research to study the digitalization of business models and green technology innovation in manufacturing enterprises. The results show that the digitalization of business models has a significant positive impact on the green technology innovation of manufacturing enterprises. In addition, knowledge-sharing level and knowledge-integration capability play a mediating role between the digitalization of business models and green innovation, of which the role of knowledge-integration capability is more obvious. This research conclusion has important theoretical value and practical guiding significance for traditional manufacturing enterprises to realize green technology innovation and sustainable development through the digitalization of business models.

Investigating the emerging and future trends of knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: a science mapping approach

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of knowledge management (KM) applications within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In pursuit of excellence, SMEs must adopt KM like large corporations, even with limited resources. Design/methodology/approach Through a bibliometric approach, this study evaluates current themes based on bibliographic coupling analysis and predicts future trends based on coword analysis. A total of 726 documents and 2,658 keywords were derived from the Web of Science database. Findings Findings show four clusters in bibliographic coupling and three in coword analysis. A common theme discovered converged on digital technology to ensure SMEs follow current market trends. Research limitations/implications Advanced application of Industry 4.0 requires digital transformation for SMEs’ pursuit of excellence. Implications include sustaining SMEs through a considerable KM system integrated with digital technology for sustainable business activities. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to provide a science mapping analysis on KM in SMEs by applying a bibliometric analysis.

The Use of Personal Knowledge Management Initiatives by Teachers in Poland. Contribution to the Discussion

The article discusses the issues related to personal knowledge management (PKM) and initiatives undertaken in this area by a professional group of teachers. These issues are still insufficiently researched, and thus cognitively interesting and requiring further exploration. The aim of the study was to determine the level of teachers' initiative in the area of personal knowledge management, with reference to the relationships between the variables characterizing the surveyed teachers, such as: gender, age, seniority, type of educational institution and the position held. In the study, conducted by means of a diagnostic survey method among 169 professionally active teachers, the author's Questionnaire of Personal Knowledge Management Initiatives was used. The obtained research results were statistically analyzed using the PSPP program, Gnu General Public License Version 3. The data were processed using the ANOVA analysis of variance. The applied method of standard deviations showed that the largest group of the surveyed teachers presents an average level of initiative in the field of personal knowledge management. Based on the obtained results, it can also be concluded that: women, teachers with the longest seniority, from the oldest age group, holding managerial positions; employed in kindergartens and educational non-school institutions, are characterized by a higher level of initiative in the field of personal knowledge management. The obtained research results are of practical importance both for teachers and for the organizations in which they work. They may also contribute to the introduction of new solutions in the education of future teachers at the university level, as well as to the organization of training and workshops improving and developing personal knowledge management skills among professionally active teachers.

Use of Knowledge Management Strategies to Prevent Knowledge Loss in a Government Agency

There is increasing evidence that tacit knowledge is “the important strategic resource that assists in accomplishing a task (Woo, 2004).” According to Haughton (2021), Knowledge is a valuable asset, and managing that knowledge is now recognised as a significant contributor to organizations in the current business climate’. When people with expertise leave a job, the organization often loses critical tacit knowledge because the person did not pass it on to others. This knowledge gap can be costly and time-consuming or impossible to replace (Leonard, 2014). However, government institutions and agencies are known to be not good when it comes to knowledge management (KM) implementation and thus often suffer knowledge loss when employees/people with expertise leave a job, retire, or  pass away. A qualitative study was conducted in one of the government agencies which has recently embarked on KM initiatives to find out what their strategies and challenges are in preventing knowledge loss. The study used the Knowledge Management Capability Assessment Tool (KM CAT) theory to assess KM initiatives in the agency. The data was collected by purposefully interviewing senior officials/managers in the agency’s KM directorate. Despite the results of the study revealing that there are several challenges experienced by the agency in its endeavour to implement an effective and efficient KM process and strategy to help stem the tight against loss of knowledge, there are signs of good improvement. However, the agency needs to be resolute in its adoption of a systematic approach to KM to ensure the full utilisation of the organisation’s knowledge base, coupled with the potential of individual skills, competencies, thoughts, innovations, and ideas to create a more efficient and effective organisation.