Knowledge Management Research Research Articles

How the digital empowerment of mobile social platforms improves Chinese traditional retail enterprises’ operational performance: from the knowledge management capabilities perspective

Purpose Based on the perspective of knowledge management capability, this paper aims to reveal the internal mechanism of the digital empowerment of mobile social platforms to improve the operational performance of Chinese traditional retail enterprises. Such improvements have crucial theoretical value and practical implications for Chinese traditional retail enterprises to achieve transformation and sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach This study applied the typical analysis method, selected China’s leading mobile social platform, WeChat, as a typical case, and observed and analyzed the public data of the traditional retail industry and social platforms and interviews with relevant enterprises. On this basis, this study used the inductive and deductive methods of qualitative research to conduct an in-depth analysis of the mechanism by which WeChat’s digital empowerment improves the operational performance of Chinese traditional retail enterprises. It also discussed the critical role and path knowledge management capabilities play in this mechanism. Findings This research demonstrated that mobile social platforms empower Chinese traditional retail enterprises to build diversified digital channels, enhance the knowledge acquisition capability of enterprises and thus improve their performance; empower Chinese traditional retail enterprises to build digital community networks, enhance the knowledge diffusion capability of enterprises and thus improve their performance; and empower Chinese traditional retail enterprises to integrate online and offline businesses, enhance the knowledge integration capability of enterprises and thus improve their performance. Research limitations/implications This study clarifies the internal mechanism of how the digital empowerment of mobile social platforms can improve the performance of Chinese traditional retail enterprises. This mechanism implies that knowledge management capabilities (knowledge acquisition, diffusion and integration capability) are the underlying logic for Chinese traditional retail enterprises to achieve higher performance levels. This has important practical implications for managers of Chinese traditional retail enterprises to leverage the digital infrastructure of mobile social platforms to achieve the sustainable development of enterprises. Originality/value This study provides an in-depth analysis of how the traditional retail industry uses digital social platforms to improve operational performance from the perspective of knowledge management capabilities, which can further promote the theoretical research and practical development of digitalization and knowledge management. At the same time, this study explored the research on the operational performance of Chinese traditional retail enterprises from the perspective of knowledge management capabilities and expanded the research on knowledge management in related fields. The authors have initially sorted out the impact of knowledge management capabilities on the operational performance of Chinese traditional retail enterprises in the digital era. This will help better understand the role and function of knowledge management in strategic transformation and expand the application of knowledge management theory.

КОРПОРАТИВНЫЕ УНИВЕРСИТЕТЫ: ПРИОРИТЕТЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ, РЕШЕНИЯ, ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ. ЧАСТЬ 1

The article presents an analytical review of the research of corporate universities as knowledge management institutions implementing strategies for the formation of intellectual capital based on the knowledge network, reveals the role of corporate universities in continuing professional education and training.
 The aim of the project is to systematize the theoretical results of relevant research, summarize the main conceptual solutions in the field of knowledge management, identify key priorities and promising strategies of corporate universities in Russia, China and other countries in this area.
 The main task is to determine the role of corporate universities in the implementation of the strategy of continuing education, in improving the quality of professional education and the formation of corporate culture within the framework of a comparative analysis of specific cases of knowledge management in corporate universities.
 Improving the quality of vocational education and solving the problems of continuing education is largely associated with the development of modern corporate universities and improving the quality of knowledge management.
 One of the advantages of corporate universities is their potential in ensuring the integration of corporate needs into higher education. In this regard, the role of knowledge management 
 is increasing as a way to implement the educational strategy of a corporate university, which involves achieving the goals of the organization by increasing intellectual capital as a decisive factor in the development of innovative systems.
 The tendency of corporate universities to go beyond the function of continuous learning as an additional component is revealed, in such a way that the function of continuous learning plays an increasingly important role in ensuring the development of organizations and institutions.
 The formation of a theoretical basis for the study of strategies of corporate universities in various countries in the field of knowledge management based on their comparative analysis 
 is becoming in demand.
 An analytical review of the scientific literature confirms the gradual formation of a special conceptual framework for knowledge management research in corporate universities around 
 the world.
 Methodology. The principles of the methodology of comparative analysis were used, qualitative analysis and theoretical generalization were carried out.

Knowledge Management

Research in the KM field has been a point of attraction for innovation and sustainability. The need for research and the effort by the researchers are important to be analysed to know the overall status of contributions and contributors. The purpose of this paper is to identify trends in Knowledge management research and forecast future trends through bibliometric analysis. The study also aims to identify the highest contribution of articles by the authors, the institutions, the journals, and the countries. Microsoft Excel and VOSViewer software were used for the analysis of the data extracted from the Scopus database for the period 2003–2022. It found Bontis. N. of Canada stood out as the highest contributing author in KM research; the Hong Kong Polytechnic University of China proved to be the top contributing institution in the field; the Journal of Knowledge Management ranks first amongst the most contributing journals in the field; and the United States was the highest contributing country. Furthermore, the study found four clusters based on the co-occurrence of keywords. “Artificial Intelligence,” “Big Data,” and “knowledge hiding” are the budding areas in the field.

Adapting to discontinuous technological change from the perspective of knowledge management: a case study from the lighting industry in Lin’an, China

Purpose This study aims to answer the question of how incumbent firms cultivate dynamic capabilities through knowledge management so that they can efficiently adapt to the changing external environment. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a case study approach and collects data through interviews and secondary public information on the lighting industry and two lighting firms in Lin'an, China. It qualitatively examines the challenges and strategic recommendations for incumbent firms in the context of discontinuous technological change from a knowledge management perspective. Findings Incumbent firms often face a variety of challenges when responding to discontinuous technological change. These challenges include identifying opportunities, overcoming path dependence and dealing with employee resistance to change. To overcome these difficulties, three strategies have been proposed to enhance the dynamic capabilities of incumbent firms through knowledge management: cross-border search helps firms improve their knowledge acquisition capabilities and better understand their environment to identify opportunities; building strategic leadership overcomes path dependence and improves knowledge integration capabilities; organizational learning deepens employees’ understanding of change and enhances organizational knowledge application capabilities. Research limitations/implications Previous research attributes a firm's ability to cope with discontinuous technological change solely to its general resources, which weakens the importance of knowledge management in this context. This study emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a crucial strategic resource in developing the essential dynamic capabilities for incumbent firms to cope with discontinuous technological change. Practical implications This study provides an in-depth analysis of incumbent firms' coping strategies in the new context of discontinuous technological change and further promotes cross-disciplinary research. Originality/value This study provides an in-depth analysis of coping strategies in the new context of discontinuous technological change, furthermore theoretically advancing the interdisciplinary research of firm transformation and knowledge management. Meanwhile, it is crucial to identify the preconditions for cultivating dynamic capabilities, especially from a knowledge-based view, which enhances the depth of knowledge management research.

Practical wisdom in the workplace: conceptualization, instrument development, and predictive power

Purpose The purpose of this Real Impact Research Article is to empirically explore one of the most controversial and elusive concepts in knowledge management research – practical wisdom. It develops a 10-dimensional practical wisdom construct and tests it within the nomological network of counterproductive and productive knowledge behavior. Design/methodology/approach A survey instrument was created based on the extant literature. A model was developed and tested by means of Partial Least Squares with data obtained from 200 experienced employees recruited from CloudResearch Connect crowdsourcing platform. Findings Practical wisdom is a multidimensional construct that may be operationalized and measured like other well-established knowledge management concepts. Practical wisdom guides employee counterproductive and productive knowledge behavior: it suppresses knowledge sabotage and knowledge hiding (whether general, evasive, playing dumb, rationalized or bullying) and promotes knowledge sharing. While all proposed dimensions contribute to employee practical wisdom, particularly salient are subject matter expertise, moral purpose in decision-making, self-reflection in the workplace and external reflection in the workplace. Unexpectedly, practical wisdom facilitates knowledge hoarding instead of reducing it. Practical implications Managers should realize that possessing practical wisdom is not limited to a group of select, high-level executives. Organizations may administer the practical wisdom questionnaire presented in this study to their workers to identify those who score the lowest, and invest in employee training programs that focus on the development of those attributes pertaining to the practical wisdom dimensions. Originality/value The concept of practical wisdom is a controversial topic that has both detractors and supporters. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first large-scale empirical study of practical wisdom in the knowledge management domain.

Sense‐making, sensemaking and sense making—A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of literature in information science and education: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper

AbstractSense‐making, sensemaking, and sense making are terms used in different disciplines. Similarities of usage seem unclear. (1) to examine the concepts used in different approaches to sense‐making/sensemaking/sense making; (2) to identify, classify and synthesize recent studies relevant to information science, as well as similar group on sensemaking in education research; (3) to reflect on future directions for sense‐making/sensemaking methodology in information science. The objectives were to retrieve, examine, classify and perform meta‐synthesis on sense‐making/sensemaking studies in both information science and education research. The review used systematic review principles, with selection criteria for case studies for examination in both information science and education sets. The final meta‐synthesis used a meta‐ethnographic approach, together with findings of recent overviews on organizational sensemaking, and other information science reviews. Qualitative sense‐making studies in information science often used Dervin's SMM (sense‐making methodology) and studies in organizations and education frequently used Weick's organizational sensemaking. Different mixed methods approaches were identified. Sense‐making is actively used in research and practice in information science and knowledge management. Using a coherent sense‐making methodology helps and dialogic principles are useful in planning, data collection and analysis. Individual and collective sense‐making are important to information science.

A Comparative Multi-Zoo Survey Investigating the Housing and Husbandry of Callimico goeldii

Callimico (Callimico goeldii) are members of the callitrichid family, and a species of conservation concern managed within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) ex situ program. They benefit from extensive ‘Best Practice’ guidelines developed by the Callitrichid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), but there are gaps in species-specific knowledge and captive management research. A survey was created to understand and evaluate current housing and husbandry within EAZA collections holding callimico. The questionnaire allowed collation of details including enclosure size along with prevalence of mixed species exhibits, use of UV-B lighting, enclosure complexity and enrichment routines. Responding collections represented 44% of the current callimico holders, with the results allowing comparative analysis of current practice against the guidelines and considering previous research. Significant positive differences were discovered between minimum recommended enclosure dimensions, including total enclosure volume, 32 m3 (p < 0.001, median = 100) and height, 2.5 m (p < 0.001, median = 3) versus EAZA’s minimum recommended dimensions. Encouragingly, no significant difference in complexity was found between on and off exhibit housing, but the results suggest that being housed in a mixed species exhibit offers a more complex environment for callimico (W = 405.5, p < 0.005). The responses revealed overall good practice, although a disparity was noted in the provision of UV-B lighting and the prevalence of enrichment. Observational research focusing on spatial use, preference and behavior is recommended to complement husbandry guidelines. Reference of the survey findings to welfare indicators could determine the effect of current housing and husbandry on callimico welfare.

A bibliometric analysis of knowledge management research during COVID-19

A bibliometric analysis of knowledge management research during COVID-19

The sectorial context of workplace learning

AbstractWorkplace learning is always embedded in a context. The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of workplace learning in the market, public and civil sectors with the tool of literature review, and to identify the most important contextual factors for learning practice and effectiveness. The article thus contributes to the scientific discourse in the field of knowledge management and workplace learning research. In the following study, drawing upon classic literature and current empirical research findings, the characteristics of workplace learning in various sectors are first outlined along the themes of knowledge management, knowledge sharing, innovation, organizational learning, the purpose of learning, and the most significant knowledge elements. Subsequently, the main differences are summarized. Finally, factors for the analysis of comparative research on workplace learning are proposed, spanning individual, individual and organizational, organizational, and organizational and system levels.

Knowledge management in banking: A bibliometric literature review

This bibliometric study examines publication trends, influential works, authorship networks, conceptual themes, and future directions in knowledge management research within the banking sector over the past three decades. Data were collected from a total of 443 scholarly publications written in English and indexed in Scopus. The data collection period spanned from 1994 to 2023. Quantitative bibliometric analysis techniques were employed, which involved the use of temporal visualization to examine publication and citation patterns, mapping co-authorship networks, and clustering high-frequency keywords. The results suggest a consistent rise in research interest and output as time progresses. Influential publications have proposed various models and frameworks for knowledge management, risk analysis, and organizational change. The majority of prolific authors were primarily of European descent, and it is worth noting that the Journal of Knowledge Management held the position as the most influential publication venue. The core research focus encompassed various areas such as knowledge for competitive advantage, intellectual capital measurement, knowledge-performance links, customer relationship management, and knowledge management technologies. The research has evolved to encompass digital transformation, sustainability, automation, and analytics. Proposed future directions include an examination of the role of knowledge management in ensuring continuity during crises, the facilitation of risk management through knowledge systems, and the development of decision support based on knowledge. This study offers valuable insights into the development of knowledge management research in the banking sector, although it is limited to English sources in Scopus. Acknowledgment Expressing gratitude towards those who have contributed to the successful completion of a study has significant importance. In particular, it is crucial to extend appreciation to the individuals affiliated with the Ho Chi Minh University of Banking for their valuable support and assistance during the research endeavor.

A knowledge-based perspective on transgenerational entrepreneurship: unveiling knowledge dynamics across generations in family firms

Purpose Given the limited understanding of the process of transgenerational entrepreneurship and that knowledge is a fundamental antecedent of entrepreneurial endeavors, this study aims to shed light on how entrepreneurial families (EFs) nurture entrepreneurship across generations, which knowledge is required within the EF to spur new entrepreneurial activities, and how is this knowledge acquired. Design/methodology/approach Considering the paucity of empirical evidence on the topic under investigation and the related exploratory nature of this study, the authors adopted a qualitative approach by conducting a case study on an Italian wine-making family business. Findings The case analysis reveals that EF members are required to acquire different types of knowledge at different generational stages to spur new entrepreneurial activities, specifically technical knowledge in the second generation and business knowledge in the third generation. Moreover, the data analysis shows two mechanisms, namely, trust among generations and role separation, that, during both generational transitions, enabled and empowered the younger generations to exploit their knowledge to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and engage in new entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value This study provides novel insights into the role of knowledge in transgenerational entrepreneurship, particularly looking at knowledge acquired by EF members across generations. Accordingly, this research contributes to the literature streams of transgenerational entrepreneurship, knowledge management in family businesses and broader knowledge management research.

Experimental research in knowledge management

AbstractAt the heart of any healthy field are explicit theories and concerted efforts to test these theories. In the traditional “textbook” conceptualization of science, the main avenue for developing and testing theory is experimental research, a tool that enables investigators to filter out the noise in order to draw logically valid inferences and conclusions. The objective of this paper is to begin a probe into the use of experimental research in knowledge management (KM). After sketching an image of the nature of experimental research and its advantages, the paper details the results of an analysis of experimental research in the KM literature. The top 20 KM journals were searched in Scopus and Web of Science for any mention of the term “experiment.” In total, 43 papers were identified based on their use of experimental methods and human participants. These studies were coded for purpose, research questions, hypotheses, operationalization of variables, sample parameters, and statistical analysis methods. There appeared to be little evidence for a dedicated and sustained use of experimental research methods. Virtually all studies relied heavily on self‐report questionnaires as the main data collection tool rather than direct behavioral measures. Potential implications are that KM journals may want to elicit and encourage more experimental research, and researchers interested in using experimental methods may want to forge multidisciplinary partnerships, for instance, with experimental psychologists. The implication for KM methodological pedagogy is to further promote and integrate experimental methods.

Identifying Knowledge Management Processes in Futures Research

Governments and organizations utilize Knowledge Management to create, share, use, and manage their knowledge to gain competitive and strategic advantages. They also use Futures Research techniques, such as Foresight, technology assessment, and technological forecasting, to comprehend the forces that shape the future and consequently affect them. Despite Knowledge Management and Futures Research being two distinct subjects, they support decision-making processes and help people make the right decisions, sharing unexplored similarities. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the relationship between Knowledge Management and Futures Research, the integration of Futures Research techniques to support Knowledge Management processes within organizations, and how specific Futures Research techniques align with different knowledge dimensions. A brief search showed us that academic literature that combines knowledge from both areas is quite scarce. By identifying the similarities between Knowledge Management and Futures Research, this work aims to demonstrate how to apply Futures Research techniques to Knowledge Management processes, particularly in the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization) knowledge creation and conversion model. Therefore, this study analyzes 53 Futures Research techniques, such as Scenarios, Brainstorming, Expert Panels, Delphi, and Bibliometrics, among others, to establish a relationship between Knowledge Management and Futures Research. The proposal also includes exploring the relationship between different Futures Research techniques and the four knowledge conversion dimensions according to the SECI model, providing justification for how Futures Research techniques can be helpful for knowledge conversion activities. With the relationships between Futures Research techniques and Knowledge Management processes established, a framework is provided for further development of practical guidance on how organizations and governments can integrate the implementation of Knowledge Management and Futures Research techniques, particularly with methods that are useful for decisions regarding technological investments. Understanding the relationship between Knowledge Management and Futures Research is expected to provide valuable insights for governments and organizations seeking to improve their decision-making processes through Knowledge Management.

Beyond Knowledge Transfer: Why Building Information Modeling Requires More Than Just Knowledge for Success

The German design industry is poised to take the next step in its development when it introduced building information modeling (BIM). The German Bundestag is requiring that public construction projects be completed with BIM. Over forty training providers offer a variety of BIM training courses, yet implementation is slowing. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing the challenge of implementing BIM. This study explores how SMBs’ digital skills can be improved to implement BIM effectively. To this end, interviews with experts from nine companies were conducted and evaluated using the grounded theory. The interviewees express the view that investments in employee training can help build skills. All the same, SMBs only commit to BIM and training in response to growing demand. The interviews reveal that SMBs’ low level of knowledge is attributable to their lack of practical experience with BIM. SMBs without any prospect of a pilot BIM project do not invest in training. A major finding is that SMBs do not consider BIM training expedient – even when it is free - because they do not anticipate any demand for BIM services in the short or medium term. Public clients must consequently develop BIM expertise. The study shows how knowledge and change management research can be drawn on to establish widespread acceptance of BIM.
  

A Comparative Study of ECKM Papers 2017-2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare all the academic papers in the proceedings of ECKM in 2017 (Barcelona), 2018 (Padua), 2019 (Lisbon), and the digital conferences in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the conference was arranged in Naples as a digital conference. The study classifies the papers according to methodology, analysis, discussion, and conclusion regarding their contribution to the four paradigmatic boxes. The approach uses the five philosophy of science framework and compares this to the content of the research papers. We will use the findings in four representations of knowledge, two typologies of concepts, four paradigmatic classifications, and the concluding framework for knowledge management research. The five conferences heavily emphasize knowledge-itis and instrumental itis and much less on problem-itis. The papers are mostly centered around existing knowledge and accepted methodology and are less related to new problems. The results indicate a conference based upon as-is knowledge and less upon new and often unsolvable issues. The ECKM academic papers in 2017, 2018, and 2019 have relatively low complexity and are presented in an empirical and materialistic paradigmatic framework through definitive concepts representing a form of atomistic research. The papers in 2020, 2021, and especially 2022 are delivered within a more robust, clarified subjectivity and action research-based framework through definitive and sensitizing concepts. What would ECKM have been with more complexity in action and subjective paradigmatic framework through sensitizing concepts representing holistic research? A more creative, engaged, and relevant conference. It will also be a more scientific conference discussing what is acceptable or not acceptable and what is adequate. Studies concerning sustainability, digitalization, and globalization might require another research approach. The more critical and green papers in the 2020 and 2021 conferences are open to new perspectives on methodology, problems, and knowledge. The 2021 and 2022 conferences represent a turning point for critical sustainability and digitalization papers that clarify subjectivity through action-based research. The 2021 and 2022 papers represent the turning point of ECKM into improved relevance through more critical and constructed studies based on the societal climate crisis and sustainable strategies and business models.

The future of knowledge management: an agenda for research and practice

The future of knowledge management: an agenda for research and practice

Organizational knowledge heterogeneity: Between conceptual nuances and the quest for a measure

AbstractThis paper is a survey of relevant empirical literature pertaining to knowledge heterogeneity. Its purpose focuses on highlighting issues surrounding its definition and measurement. First, it shows that knowledge heterogeneity is definitionally close to several other concepts, each measured in a certain way. Second, the same measures have been used indiscriminately for several of these concepts. Third, different measures have been used for the same concepts. The point being made is that comparable empirical results cannot be achieved if the same measures are used for different concepts. Research in knowledge management and innovation management centered around knowledge heterogeneity could be impeded if different emphases are put on different words while studying a concept that is defined similarly across studies yet measured differently, or that is measured similarly despite being defined differently. Results in future research are more likely to converge if knowledge heterogeneity is defined separately from similar concepts such as knowledge sharing and knowledge overlap, for example.

Conjectural Connection: Tourism Enterprises Competitiveness : A Macro Perspective Through the Lens of Knowledge Capital Management

This research paper explores the role of knowledge capital management in enhancing the competitiveness of tourism enterprises from a macroeconomic perspective. The study argues that the development of sound national tourism policies, integrated government market and business strategies, and public organizational and institutional structures are essential for realizing the full potential of the tourism sector and gaining a competitive advantage at the national and global levels. Moreover, the paper highlights the importance of information and knowledge capital resources as key factors in maintaining competitive advantage in the global market economy of knowledge. Using Porter's Diamond Model, the paper evaluates the management context of knowledge capital and the competitiveness of tourism companies. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on tourism, macroeconomics, enterprise competitiveness, and knowledge management research. The paper concludes by suggesting further areas of research in this field, including the development of data-driven investment policies for tourism enterprises, sophisticated methods for assessing tourism enterprise performance in different contexts, and a deeper exploration of the causal relationships between knowledge management and enterprise competitiveness. Overall, this research highlights the significance of knowledge capital management for enhancing the competitiveness of tourism enterprises and contributing to national prosperity.

Behaviour, Furnishing and Vertical Space Use of Captive Callimico (Callimico goeldii): Implications for Welfare.

Provision of optimal captive care should be supported by species-specific evidence. Callimico (Callimico goeldii) is a small South American callitrichid primate. This study sought to address gaps in species-specific knowledge and captive management research by examining differences in callimico behaviour across multiple collections, investigating vertical enclosure use and a possible association between specific behaviours and vertical zones. Observational research was conducted at five European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) organisations, in exhibits that were visually divided into four vertical zones. Instantaneous scan sampling was used to record behaviour and location of callimico over a six-day period at each collection, exceeding 160 observational hours. Significant differences were observed in foraging between collections and were much lower than the recommendations in Best Practice Guidelines, although near-wild levels were recorded in one enclosure. At an average height of 2 m, callimico utilized a similar vertical space across very different enclosures, regardless of overall available height, reflective of their natural ecology. The association between whole food items and increased foraging time, horizontal branches and locomotion and deep substrate and diversity of behaviours, offers further species-specific evidence of how the callimico use their captive environment. Our findings complement current EAZA guidelines to support species appropriate care for callimico and makes specific recommendations for further research.

Leadership styles and employee creativity: the interactive impact of online knowledge sharing and organizational innovation

PurposeThis study aims to examine the differences in the impact of three leadership styles (transactional, transformational and creative) on intraorganizational online knowledge-sharing and employee creativity. Specifically, we use self-determination theory (SDT) to examine the impact of these three leadership styles on four aspects of online knowledge sharing (knowledge donating, knowledge collecting, lurking and active lurking) and the moderating role of organizational innovation on these relationships.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 361 employees of business-to-business organizations in Vietnam to support all our hypotheses. Structural equation modelling was used for data analysis.FindingsTransformational, transactional and creative leadership were found to affect online knowledge sharing, wherein creative leadership had the most potent effect. Online knowledge sharing was found to mediate the impact of three types of leadership on employee creativity. The results also showed that organizational innovation moderates the influence of leadership on online knowledge sharing.Originality/valueThis paper extends the current knowledge management research on online knowledge sharing by studying two new behaviors (lurking and active lurking), linking diverse leadership styles to these behaviors and employee creativity, and exploring the moderating role of organizational innovation. Our findings shed light on the complexity of the relationship between leadership and online knowledge sharing. This study also provides valuable implications for practitioners to help them choose the most appropriate leadership style for their digitalization process to ensure optimal outcomes.