Knowledge Management Mechanisms Research Articles

Knowledge management of MNCs in the post-COVID era: the role of cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the mechanism of knowledge management within multinationals during the post COVID-19 era, with particular consideration given to the relationship between the cultural intelligence of top managers and knowledge-oriented leadership using fear of COVID-19 as a moderating factor.Design/methodology/approachDerived from upper echelons’ theory and research on knowledge management success (KMS), a theoretical model and associated hypotheses have been developed and tested. Structural equation modeling was used with statistics collected from 288 top managers and executives of multinational corporations dominated by knowledge-intensive industries through a network investigation.FindingsResults indicate that the levels of executives’ cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership contribute to KMS, while knowledge-oriented leadership acts as a mediator between them. In addition, the fear of COVID-19 of senior executives negatively affects both the direct and mediated influence of cultural intelligence on KMS.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research uses an empirical approach to examine cross-border KMS. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive measurement tools for KMS and more detailed research by further developing the subdimensions of cultural intelligence. In addition, this paper used cross-sectional research that limits the capability to establish causal relationships over time.Originality/valueThe research explores the “human side” of the key antecedents of KMS, fills the gap in research about the impact of cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership on the achievement of KMS, paves the way for emerging knowledge-oriented leadership from the initial phase to the mature phase and contributes to the literature on environmental uncertainty and crisis, using the COVID-19 as a representative context.

Technology Introduction in the Health Sector Through Learning and Innovation-Oriented Work Processes

Due to rising expectations and, at the same time, increasingly scarce resources, the health care system is also forced to constantly work on its efficiency. One possible solution is the introduction of innovative welfare technologies, but this requires the adaptation of work processes. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of knowledge management (KM) mechanisms for learning and innovation in work processes of health organizations that increasingly use welfare technologies. The study extends existing knowledge on relevant KM mechanisms for learning and innovation in the work processes of healthcare organizations using welfare technologies. Five different KM mechanisms are suggested and discussed.

A comprehensive framework for strategic knowledge management in civil service organisations of Mauritius

The acquisition and utilisation of knowledge possessed by employees within an organisation, particularly in the context of the Civil Service, can be a crucial asset in achieving the organization's continuous business goals and objectives. This study investigates the methods and implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) in the public service Organisations of Mauritius. The objective is to identify the attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of knowledge management (KM) and address significant obstacles in the KM process. The objective of this study is to increase awareness of Knowledge Management (KM) as a feasible option for enhancing the efficiency of civil service organisations. The study results imply that knowledge management in civil service organisations is still in its nascent phase, indicating a significant need for advancement in the whole knowledge management process. This study examines the present condition of knowledge management in the civil service organisations of Mauritius. The study primarily aimed to collect empirical data on the subjective impressions, attitudes, and perspectives of the respondents or interviewers regarding the investigated issues. The study use interpretive methodology rather than positive approaches. Nevertheless, this research solely concentrates on the 25 governmental ministries of the Republic of Mauritius. The proposed framework is anticipated to be easily implemented in para-statal entities and government-owned firms, necessitating only minimal adjustments. The objective of this project is to build an empirical basis for the creation of a knowledge management system tailored to the needs of Civil Service Organisations. This study focuses on analysing the mechanisms of Knowledge Management (KM) and their impact on productivity and efficiency in Mauritian Civil Service Organisations.

The influence of employees’ work-related use of social media on their service innovation behavior: the SOR paradigm

PurposeThe primary objective of this investigation was to explore how employees’ utilization of social media for work-related purposes impacts their service innovation behavior, both directly and through the intermediary mechanisms of knowledge management and employees’ risk-taking.Design/methodology/approachIn developing its conceptual framework, this study has drawn upon the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory. To test its hypotheses, this study has surveyed 241 financial analysts from ten Iranian financial companies and has employed variance-based structural equation modeling (specifically, PLS-SEM) with the assistance of “WarpPLS 8.0 software.”FindingsThe findings revealed that employees’ work-related use of social media positively influences their service innovation behavior using knowledge management, encompassing knowledge sharing and acquisition capability as well as employee risk-taking. However, this influence is not directly significant.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first instance in which the effect of work-related use of social media on employee service innovation behavior directly and through the mediating roles of knowledge management and risk-taking has been investigated through the lens of the SOR paradigm, especially in the financial sector.

Identifying Visualization Opportunities to Help Architects Manage the Complexity of Building Codes.

We report a study investigating the viability of using interactive visualizations to aid architectural design with building codes. While visualizations have been used to support general architectural design exploration, existing computational solutions treat building codes as separate from, rather than part of, the design process, creating challenges for architects. Through a series of participatory design studies with professional architects, we found that interactive visualizations have promising potential to aid design exploration and sensemaking in early stages of architectural design by providing feedback about potential allowances and consequences of design decisions. However, implementing a visualization system necessitates addressing the complexity and ambiguity inherent in building codes. To tackle these challenges, we propose various user-driven knowledge management mechanisms for integrating, negotiating, interpreting, and documenting building code rules.

Knowledge management tools and mechanisms for evidence-informed decision-making in the WHO European Region: a scoping review

BackgroundKnowledge management (KM) emerged as a strategy to promote evidence-informed decision-making. This scoping review aims to map existing KM tools and mechanisms used to promote evidence-informed health decision-making in the WHO European Region and identify knowledge gaps.MethodsFollowing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Open Grey. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and conducted narrative analysis of the included studies and categorized studies according to KM type and phase.ResultsOut of 9541 citations identified, we included 141 studies. The KM tools mostly assessed are evidence networks, surveillance tools, observatories, data platforms and registries, with most examining KM tools in high-income countries of the WHO European region. Findings suggest that KM tools can identify health problems, inform health planning and resource allocation, increase the use of evidence by policymakers and stimulate policy discussion.ConclusionPolicymakers and funding agencies are called to support capacity-building activities, and future studies to strengthen KM in the WHO European region particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. An updated over-arching strategy to coordinate KM activities in the WHO European region will be useful in these efforts.

Failure is an option: How failure can lead to disruptive innovations

We analyze how a failure-embracing mentality can lead to disruptive innovations. Grounded in the extensive data obtained from the study of space industry leader SpaceX and its revolution of reusable rocket boosters, we suggest that appropriate organizational processes can be highly effective in generating technological disruptive innovations. Our results mainly contribute to the identification of the foundational elements that need to be in place, as well as to the definition of sequential actions to be executed, for a successful innovation cycle. In the former, the organization must ensure that appropriate knowledge management mechanisms have been implemented, and that the individuals involved are prepared for the innovation process. In the latter, the detection and analysis of failure, followed by an optimization of further experiments and an adjustment of the roadmap, must proceed iteratively and sequentially to build upon the cumulative experience gained. These findings are important because they suggest that successful disruptive innovation is not fortuitous but can be achieved through systematic processes. Moreover, we bring a different perspective to a popular literature stream which to date had focused on why incumbent firms were successful or not in responding to disruptive innovations, rather than on how failure can be leveraged to successfully introduce in the market a disruptive innovation. In addition to the contributions to the learning by failure and disruptive innovation literatures, this work also adds to the very limited managerial studies of the fast-growing and increasingly relevant New Space Economy.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS IN A GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTION

The article is devoted to solving the problem of change management in the context of professional development of teaching staff. The relevance of the research topic is due to the need for active professional development of teachers to develop the ability to respond to changes and work effectively in the face of change to improve the quality of the educational process. The article analyses important scientific achievements in the theory of change management and problems of professional development of teachers in domestic and foreign management. The definition of "change management in the context of professional development of teachers in general secondary education institutions" is presented as a continuous process of implementing and regulating a single line of behaviour of teachers in terms of perception of changes using tactics of support and involvement in continuous professional development in an active motivational educational environment. It has been established that change management in the context of teachers’ professional development has its own specific features, including the availability of an algorithm, development of change management technology, establishment of information channels, and use of knowledge management mechanisms for teaching staff. In this way, change management becomes a holistic process that includes many interrelated elements and is impossible without the active participation of teachers, who are key agents of change in the educational process. The article presents the results of a study of the level of professional development of teachers based on the theory of change management. A factor-criterion model for assessing the status of management of professional development of teachers in the context of changes is proposed. Based on the general structure of the head of an educational institution, the content and specificity of management activities, we have identified the factors of management of the professional development of teachers of the EI, namely: planning and prognostic activities for the organisation of monitoring, diagnostic, informationanalytical, motivational and targeted, organisational and coordination, control and diagnostic, and regulatory and corrective activities. The results of the study on teachers’ satisfaction with their participation in the implementation of changes are presented. The factors influencing the self-development of teachers are identified. Prospects for further research include the development of tools for assessing the effectiveness of managing the development of GSEI in the context of change in order to justify and choose a strategy for the development of the organisation.

Knowledge management mechanisms and common knowledge impacts on the value of knowledge at individual and organizational levels

Knowledge management (KM) impacts have typically been examined on the value of knowledge to organizations but not individuals. This paper uses survey data (186 employees) and qualitative data (300 + employees) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to examine the effects of four KM mechanisms (social learning, learning from others through IT, learning from IT, and IT-based knowledge substitution) and common knowledge on the individual and organizational value of knowledge. The results indicate that common knowledge and the two interpersonal mechanisms (social learning, learning from others through IT) enhance the perceived value of knowledge at both levels, but both mechanisms that rely on IT for the knowledge (learning from IT, IT-based knowledge substitution) reduce the perceived knowledge value at one level and have no significant effect at the other level. Further, common knowledge strengthens the positive effects of both interpersonal mechanisms, and weakens the negative effects of IT-based knowledge substitution, on perceived value of knowledge at both levels.

Opening the black box of knowledge management mechanisms: exploring knowledge flows at a consultancy

PurposeBased on an exploratory case-based approach, the purpose of this paper is to open the KM black box and examine the relationships that link knowledge management (KM) inputs (i.e. knowledge resources and KM practices) via knowledge processes to KM performance. This paper aims to identify the underlying mechanisms and explain how KM performance is enabled.Design/methodology/approachThis in-depth case study conducted at a medium-sized consultancy in the supply chain management industry empirically examines knowledge flows to uncover the relationships between KM inputs, knowledge processes and KM performance. We adopt the viable system model (VSM) as a theoretical lens to identify KM mechanisms.FindingsBy identifying six KM mechanisms, we contribute to the theoretical understanding of how KM inputs are interconnected and lead to KM performance via knowledge processes.Originality/valueBased on the insights gained, we provide propositions that organizations should consider in designing viable KM. Our findings help organizations in understanding their KM with the help of knowledge flow analysis and identifying how critical KM elements are interconnected.

Knowledge Management Mechanisms at MNCs and the Enhancing Effect of Absorptive Capacity

Knowledge management has a pivotal role in innovation processes and on firms’ competitiveness. In order to generate innovations, firms may access knowledge from different sources, including their internal and external environments. However, to fully assimilate such knowledge and apply it to commercial ends, firms need absorptive capacity (AC). AC is particularly important for multinational corporations (MNCs), as they face several learning challenges arising from increased global competition as well as geographic, institutional, and cultural differences. With this in mind, my dissertation explores the relationship between knowledge management mechanisms and innovation and performance outcomes as well as the enabling role of absorptive capacity in such relationships. The findings show that MNC managers can use different mechanisms for souring, transferring, and applying knowledge, which increase the firm´s ability to absorb knowledge and, in turn, lead to product and/or process innovation.

How do platforms improve social capital within sharing economy-based service triads: an information processing perspective

This study examines how platforms within sharing economy-based service triads (SESTs) can improve their social capital through information processing and knowledge management mechanisms, with the objective to provide better platform services to both service suppliers and end customers. Data were collected through multiple case studies, primarily relying on insight gathered from 32 semi-structured interviews with managers from four sharing economy platform companies in the Chinese ride-sharing (DiDi and Uber China) and logistics-sharing (Huo-che-bang and Yun-man-man) industries. Through our analysis we uncover uncertainties faced by sharing economy platforms in SETSs (including task complexity, over-competition, and task coordination), delineating their information processing requirements. Based on our findings we suggest that these requirements can be addressed by enhanced intra-organizational structures that would contribute to the SESTs’ information processing capacity. Accomplishing this fit between a platform’s information processing requirements and associated information processing capacity carries great promise to not only affect the platform’s knowledge management capability (PKMC) but also the social capital created within SESTs.

Knowledge management as a key dimension of digital project integration: exploring constructs

ABSTRACT The concept of digital project integration recently emerged. Among the most important issues in integrating factors in digital projects is knowledge management. Therefore, it is essential to better understand the mechanisms of knowledge management and their functioning in the management of digital projects. This allows identifying ways to improve those mechanisms and achieve a true integration of knowledge in digital projects that creates value for all actors. Based on analogous work in supply chain integration, this research identifies the constructs related to knowledge management. It proposes a conceptual model based on these constructs and social exchange theory. Exploratory qualitative research is conducted with 15 actors in various digital projects. The results partially corroborate the conceptual model and allow the identification of the most salient variables. Based on these results, the conceptual model is refined, and suggestions made for future research.

Identifying Enablers and Obstacles for Knowledge Management in a Police Organization: Case Study of Abu Dhabi Police

Abstract Knowledge management and its effectiveness may be a potential catalyst for achieving project goals for optimum success and speed, or it may be a major cause of project failure when knowledge is inadequately managed. Recent scientific research has touched on the failure to facilitate the application of knowledge management mechanisms in all project phases due to the temporary status of projects as well as deficiencies in applying the concept of accountability among specialists. This paper reports on one element of a wider research project undertaken with Abu Dhabi Police to identify enablers and barriers to knowledge management in police projects. The research was qualitative in nature and focused directly on addressing mechanisms and methods of integrating management knowledge to improve project success and develop the capability of human capital in policing. The results of the research identified nine enablers that support successful knowledge management in policing projects: A policy for the management of knowledge, institutional leadership in support of open communication and motivation, highlighting the value of knowledge management, linking knowledge management content with job descriptions, establishment of specific channels for communicating with project stakeholders, adequate technology resources, communication systems to manage knowledge between teams in separate locations, enable social interaction to facilitate the process of knowledge management in daily operations, and apply processes for assessment and measurement in the use of social networks for knowledge management.

Knowledge management to develop comprehensive networking of university-industry collaboration in technology and innovation performance

Universities are an integral part of the skills and innovation supply chain for businesses that are multidimensional, sustainable, quality, and enduring in the long term. In pursuing this role, universities are encouraged to establish a university-industry cooperation (UIC) context that supports faculty and students to engage in business activities. Collaboration is very important for universities, because universities are not only research universities, but must reach the level of learning colleges. The results of the research found that implementing UIC regulations affected the performance of university academic innovation, it also found that the knowledge management mechanism was an important factor to improve the performance of university academic innovation, and the implementation of regulations also played a role in developing knowledge management and performance of university academic innovation.

Self-perception on the Acquisition of Investigative Competencies in the Context of Virtual Learning during Covid-19

Research training promotes the development of students' research skills and competences. For this reason, the study focuses on analyzing the self-perception of the acquisition of research competences of mechanical and electrical engineering students at the National Technological University of Lima Sur, located in Peru. The purpose of determining these results is to generate a research culture in the university context, by means of policies, strategies and knowledge management mechanisms supported by the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The research will be carried out in the year 2022, and from the methodological point of view it is descriptive and non-experimental design of transversal type. A questionnaire was designed for data collection, consisting of 12 indicators; the reliability of the data collected was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, whose value was 0.817. As there is no research training from the initial level of the curriculum plan that is aimed at enhancing the scientific and technological capabilities of the student, the results reveal that 72% failed to complete the development of scientific articles. With regard to the difficulties and/or weaknesses identified, they are centred on the low level of knowledge of quantitative or qualitative research, the concepts of techniques and instruments for data collection and discussion of results.

Influence of transactive memory systems and strategic orientations on the performance of hospitality firms

PurposeSince the hospitality industry is driven by people, effective utilization of knowledge among various organizational units is required to ensure guest satisfaction and in turn superior performance. Research trying to find the implications of transactive memory systems (TMSs), an integrative mechanism for knowledge management in organizations, has yielded ambiguous and mixed results, leading the researchers to believe that the linkages may not be as straightforward as previously imagined. In this study, the authors theoretically build their arguments based on the knowledge-based view of the firm and empirically test these linkages using data collected from the small hotels of India.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the owner-managers or senior executives of small hotels operating in the Uttarakhand state of India, and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and Hayes process macro.FindingsIt was found that for the hospitality firms, the TMS is an enabler for performance only when the focus of knowledge creation and utilization is on building effective strategic orientations. Further, the technology orientation (TO) and learning orientation (LO) of the hotel mediate the relationship between the TMS and firm performance.Practical implicationsEffective knowledge sharing among employees helps availability of credible and crucial information about customers, which eventually helps in long-term mutually beneficial relationships with the customers, leading to greater economic value creation for the hotel.Originality/valueBy establishing theoretical links between knowledge creation and utilization, and validating these linkages using data collected from the hotel industry in India, this study offers unique and useful insights for the theoretical advancement of the hospitality literature. This study also makes a case that small hotels investing their energy and resources into the creation of a transactive memory systems could reap benefits through appropriate strategic postures.

EXPLORING THE MISSING LINKS OF WORKPLACE SPIRITUALITY AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Contemporary workplace has become permanent resort for complex scenarios and challenges. The global pandemic 2019 reminded all about the insufficiency of current operational capacities and KSAs (Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude) at both institutional and individual levels. Technological superiority and Branding are no more buzz words for the business and economic progress. The mindset of Individual employee and organization, and their approach towards the notion of meaningful work, optimal utilization of knowledge and resilience are among the priority now. There is a constant demand for the alignment of individual’s morale with the values of organization. Employee loyalty, satisfaction, wellbeing and commitment are must for smooth working of organizations post pandemic. It is observed that workplace spirituality can be the key driver in employee to act upon their individual capacity in order to accelerate organizational effectiveness and to reinforce tools and techniques of knowledge management. The essentials of knowledge management involve the enthusiasm of employees to challenge, negotiate, adapt and nurture to learn from all the possible resources. The current study is all set to explore the dimensions of spirituality that drives individual to learn and manage knowledge in such a way that fabricate a ‘culture of creating meaningful experiences’ at workplace. This paper composes the Meta analytical review of all workplace spirituality models and knowledge management practices in the context of academic institutions. Based the on the review, this study attempts to formulate the adequate research propositions that can act of guideline to explore the connection between spirituality and knowledge management. The paper documents both theoretical and practical implications of possible association between spirituality and knowledge of individuals at workplace during task performance. The paper will try to offer suggestions, for organizations to incorporate ‘effective knowledge management mechanism through spirituality’ in the light of making them, the better learning places. KEYWORDS: Workplace Spirituality, Knowledge Management, Resilience, Organizational Learning Culture, Morale.

Role of collaborative culture and knowledge management process for stimulating radical and incremental innovation: a comparative moderation approach

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to assess the role of a collaborative culture in the organization’s knowledge management process (KMP) and how it is associated with radical and incremental innovation under the moderating role of ownership formapjm in Pakistani firms.Design/methodology/approachThis research used the quantitative method and structural equation modeling approach to examine hypotheses with data obtained by the survey from 280 participants in 85 Pakistani firms.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that the KMP significantly mediates between collaborative culture and two specific types of innovation, namely radical innovation and incremental innovation. In addition, the ownership form can serve as a moderator in the relationship between KMP and innovation capability.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore the moderating impact of other strategic or behavioral factors, such as self-efficacy, job experience, education level, optimism and organizational support, to better clarify the association between these latent constructs.Practical implicationsThis research provides leaders with a better view of the mechanism of knowledge management and the impact of ownership form and possible influences in their organizations to foster innovation capabilities.Originality/valueThis paper has prompted theoretical and practical attempts on innovation management theory that allow firms to recognize the necessary factors and processes to improve the firm’s innovation capability.

Health-care information technologies for dispersed knowledge management

PurposeThe health-care industry has multiple stakeholders, with knowledge dispersed among clinicians, experts and patients and their families. As the adoption of health-care information technologies (HITs) depends on multiple factors, this study aims to uncover the motivators for adopting them.Design/methodology/approachThe study considers 391 respondents, representing the health-care sector, to evaluate the motivators for adopting HITs for better-dispersed knowledge management. The authors analyze the responses using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the actual structure of the factors, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).FindingsEFA categorized the factors into four classes: quality management; information sharing; strategic governance; and available technological infrastructure. CFA revealed that the strategic governance factor is most predictive of successfully adopting HITs that model the normative pressure of Institutional theory in health-care organizations. These results indicate that, along with considerations of finances, care quality and infrastructure, effective government involvement and policy-making are important for successful HIT adoption.Practical implicationsResults reveal that stakeholders’ motivating factors for HIT adoption in a developed economy like the United Arab Emirates are based on considering HITs as a knowledge management mechanism. These factors may help other nations in HIT implementation and drive valuable innovations in the health-care sector. This research presents the implications for health-care professionals and stakeholders in relation to adopting HITs and their role in knowledge flow for efficient care.Originality/valueHITs offer an affordable and convenient platform for collaboration among diverse teams in the health-care sector. Apart from this, it helps in facilitating an interactive platform for knowledge creation and transfer for the benefit of users and providers.