Knowledge Management Theory Research Articles

How knowledge-based HRM practices affects aspects of innovation capability through knowledge management: the moderating role of innovative culture

Purpose Given the important of knowledge resource and human capital for improving innovation competence, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of knowledge-based HRM practices on product and process innovation of firms via the mediating role of knowledge management capability and moderating role of innovative culture. Design/methodology/approach The paper used structural equation modeling and empirical data collected from 271 participants in 156 manufacturing and service firms to examine the level of how knowledge-based HRM practices and knowledge management affect product and process innovation under the moderating role of innovative culture. Findings The research findings confirm the mediating roles of knowledge management between knowledge-based HRM practices and two specific types of innovation namely product and process innovation. It also firstly reveals the positive moderating role of innovative culture in enhancing the effects of knowledge management on product innovation. The results underline the necessity of building an innovative climate and knowledge-based HRM practices to stimulate knowledge management for improving innovation capability of firms in the developing and emerging markets. Research limitations/implications The paper helps bring deeper insights to leaders and practitioners about the new knowledge-based approach that enhances innovation competence for organizations. Originality/value The paper significantly contributed to theoretical and practical initiatives on theory of HRM practices and knowledge management by showing different moderating and mediating mechanism thereby firms can follow to enhance innovation capability of firms in developing and emerging markets.

Impact of entrepreneurship on technological innovation in the digital age: a knowledge management perspective

PurposeThis study aims to use the knowledge management perspective to examine the mechanism through which entrepreneurship drives firms’ technological innovation in the digital age. The objective is to develop a multi-stage integrated theoretical model to explain how entrepreneurship exerts its influence on firms’ technological innovation with a particular focus on the knowledge management perspective. The findings can be used for the cultivation of entrepreneurship and for the promotion of continuous technological innovation activities.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a case-based qualitative approach to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship and technological innovation. The authors first analyze the case of SANY and then explore the mechanism of how entrepreneurship can promote a firm’s technological innovation from the perspective of knowledge management based on the technology-organization-environment framework. An integrated theoretical model is then developed in this study.FindingsBased on a case study, the authors propose that there are three main processes of knowledge management in firms’ technological innovation: knowledge acquisition, knowledge integration and knowledge creation. In the process of knowledge acquisition, the joint effects of innovation spirit, learning spirit, cooperation spirit and global vision drive the construction and its healthy development of firms’ innovation ecosystem. In the process of knowledge integration, the joint effects of innovation spirit, cooperation spirit and learning spirit help complete the integration of knowledge and further the accumulation of firms’ core knowledge resources. In the process of knowledge creation, the joint effects of mission spirit, learning spirit and innovation spirit encourage the top management team to establish long-term goals and innovation philosophy. This philosophy can promote the establishment of a people-oriented incentive mechanism that helps achieve the transformation from the accumulation of core knowledge resources to the research and innovation of core technologies. After these three stages, firms are passively engaged in the “reverse transfer of knowledge” step, which contributes to other firms’ knowledge management cycle. With active knowledge acquisition, integration, creation and passive reverse knowledge transfer, firms can achieve continuous technological innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has important theoretical implications in entrepreneurship research. This study helps advance the understanding of entrepreneurship and literature on the relationship between entrepreneurship and technological innovation in the digital age, which can broaden the application of knowledge management theories. It can also help better understand how to develop healthy firm-led innovation ecosystems to achieve continuous optimization of knowledge and technological innovation in the digital age.Originality/valueThis study proposes an integrated theoretical model to address the issues of entrepreneurship and firms’ technological innovation in the digital age, and it is also one of few studies that focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation from a knowledge management perspective.

The moderating effect of organizational knowledge utilization on top management team’s social capital and the innovation quality of high-tech firms

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the following issues: the mechanisms through which different types of top management team’s social capital influence the innovation quality of high-tech firms, and the moderating effect of organizational knowledge utilization on the relationship between top management team’s social capital and innovation quality in high-tech firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study categorizes top management team’s social capital into political, business and academic dimensions, investigating their impact on innovation quality in high-tech firms. Furthermore, a research model is developed with organizational knowledge utilization as the moderating variable. Data from Chinese high-tech firms between 2010 and 2019 are collected as samples for analysis.FindingsThe innovation quality of high-tech firms shows an inverted U-shaped trend as the top management team’s political capital and business capital increase. The top management team’s academic capital has a significantly positive correlation with the innovation quality of high-tech firms. Moreover, organizational knowledge utilization plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between the top management team’s social capital and innovation quality in high-tech firms.Originality/valueThis study explores the relationship among different dimensions of top management team’s social capital, innovation quality and organizational knowledge utilization. It holds significant theoretical value in enriching and refining the interactions between top management team’s social capital, knowledge management theory and innovation management theory. In addition, it offers important practical implications for firms to rationally approach top management team’s social capital, emphasize top management team configuration management and establish a comprehensive and efficient organizational knowledge utilization mechanism.

From Knowledge Management (KM) Theories to Practices: The Strategies to Implement Best Practices in Academic Libraries

The critical role of knowledge management (KM) is facilitating the smooth operation of academic libraries and fostering professional growth. While substantial research focuses on defining knowledge management, exploring its theoretical frameworks, and underscoring its relevance within academic library environments, there remains a paucity of empirical studies addressing the practical implementation and subsequent effects of KM practices. This article seeks to bridge the gap by delineating effective strategies for the adoption of KM best practices, alongside a reflective examination of the lessons learned during the process within a university library’s IT department.

Impact of boundary-spanning search on firm innovation performance: a strategic knowledge integration perspective

PurposeThis study aims to explore the mechanism of boundary-spanning search on firm’s innovation performance under environmental dynamics from the perspective of strategic knowledge integration.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among Chinese firm managers and R&D personnel, resulting in the collection of 315 valid samples. Hierarchical regression analysis was mainly adopted to demonstrate the hypothesized relationships, while the Sobel test and bootstrap method were used to further validate the mediating effects.FindingsThe results demonstrate that boundary-spanning search in different dimensions is a critical factor in the improvement of firm innovation performance (FIP). Two types of strategic knowledge integration are the main factors causing FIP and mediate the influence of boundary-spanning search on FIP. Furthermore, environmental dynamics moderate the relationship among boundary-spanning search, strategic knowledge integration and FIP.Practical implicationsManagers need to strengthen the boundary-spanning search for market and technical knowledge, which will promote firm innovative performance. Managers also need to implement strategic knowledge integration, which specifically includes using planned strategic knowledge integration to compensate for knowledge deficiencies, thereby achieving predetermined objectives; and using emergent strategic knowledge integration to update their understanding of internal and external environments, and to reset strategic objectives. In dynamic environments, managers should emphasize strategic knowledge management activities more.Originality/valueFrom a strategic management perspective, this study categorizes strategic knowledge integration into planned and emergent forms. By applying the logic of knowledge acquisition, integration and creation, it explores how boundary-spanning search affects FIP through strategic knowledge integration as the intermediary and the boundary conditions of environmental dynamics. This not only provides a deeper understanding of the nature and effects of boundary-spanning research but also enhances the theory of strategic knowledge management.

Management Innovation, Digital Orientation, and External Knowledge Search

We investigate how digital management innovation influences external knowledge search so as to survive the digital environment. Through 201 firms that apply big data technology in China, we find that management innovation positively contributes to both science-oriented and market-oriented external knowledge search. Specifically, digital orientation accentuates the positive relationship between management innovation and both external knowledge searches. The theoretical contribution extends the related research of knowledge management theory, integrating the institutional perspective and rational perspective of management innovation for explaining how an organization establishes new standardized and institutional routines with digital tools, ensuring efficient external knowledge search. Practical contributions indicate that firms should attach importance to management innovation for establishing governance systems that are beneficial to searching outside knowledge and keeping competitive advantage.

Knowledge Management and Capability Theory in Structured Products: Perspectives From Industry Professionals

The structured products industry has lagged development of other areas of financialization. But that is changing quickly. This paper investigates the forces driving this industry’s recent and rapid growth using interviews with industry professionals which we analyze through the lens of intelligent complex adaptive systems theory and capability theory. We unpack the relationship between retail investors and issuers of structured products as well as the fintech-enabled knowledge management structure these firms have developed to exploit retail opportunities. We find that the lag in development has been due to the necessity of lower costs and the ability to create individualized structured products. The firms that are succeeding in this industry have identifiable sources of competitive advantage that make them more likely to achieve and sustain viability above mere survival than their rivals, what we call capability. From this, we extract generalizable principles for all knowledge management professionals.

The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation and Project Implementation Management System for Non-Profit Project Performance in Developing Countries

Abstract This study examines the relationship between monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project implementation management system (PIMS) for financial monitoring, and project performance within the framework of the resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities, and knowledge management theory. It focuses on non-profit projects in a developing context, particularly in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Developmental assistance and non-profit projects have an important role to play in the economic performance of developing countries. The research highlights the significance of understanding factors influencing project performance in non-profit projects in developing countries such as BiH. The findings indicate that both M&E and PIMS for financial monitoring significantly influence three key knowledge management processes - knowledge internalization, knowledge accumulation, and knowledge transfer and integration, which in turn positively influence project performance. The study underscores the importance of synergy between M&E, PIMS, and knowledge management for enhancing project performance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, donors, the international community, and academia.

Indigenous voices: Using cultural knowledge for tourism

This research reports on Indigenous cultural knowledge holders' opportunities and challenges in using their cultural knowledge to develop authentic tourism experiences. The research investigated issues related to sourcing, storing, managing, and authorising local cultural knowledge to create authentic tourism experiences. The key finding is that while Aboriginal parties are interested in using cultural knowledge to develop tourism products, pathways need to be designed to facilitate the related development. The research utilised the Indigenous research yarning method and found this approach to be particularly useful with potential for broader use in qualitative research. The findings can be applied more broadly across the Australian national tourism landscape. The findings advance knowledge management theory through the lens of Indigenous tourism.

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

PurposeBased 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/approachThis 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.FindingsThis 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/implicationsThis 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/valueThis 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.

The Role of Science in Socio-Economic Development

The article examines the reasons for the low innovative activity of domestic enterprises, taking into account the development of Russian science, which is still effective. The aim of the study is to identify ways to ensure a more active impact of research activities on the level of innovation and efficiency of social production, in order to improve the quality of life for the population and develop the social sphere. The originality of the approach used in this article lies in its application of methodological principles and conclusions drawn within the framework of the theory of organizational knowledge management. Specifically, the author draws on the classification of this knowledge management theory into non-formalized and formalized knowledge, and identifies four types of transformation: socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization. Additionally, the article concludes that a continuous and cyclical process is necessary for knowledge to pass through these four stages in a sequential manner. It has been concluded that one of the main reasons for the low innovation activity in our country and the low efficiency of our social production is due to the linear nature of the scientific and innovative process in Russia. This is because there is a lack of feedback between the real economy and society and the field of research and development (R&D). In other words, there is an inefficiency in the process of internalizing knowledge within the domestic economy, and the externalization phase is almost completely absent. Therefore, ensuring the fullness and continuity of this process, based on four sequential types of knowledge transformations, can lead to an intensification of innovation in Russia and an increase in efficiency in the functioning of our domestic economy and society. This in turn would contribute to improving the quality of life for our population.

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.

RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL FORGETTING AND AMBIDEXTROUS INNOVATION OF HIGH-TECH ENTERPRISES

From the perspective of boundary-spanning research, this paper intends to analyze the influence mechanism of active organizational forgetting on the ambidextrous innovation of high and New-tech enterprises, and explore how high and new-tech enterprises and of the heterogeneity of knowledge acquired from outside to make up for the deficiency of make up for the deficiency of their own knowledge in key core fields, optimize the traditional organizational structure, and enrich the internal knowledge stock under the trans-boundary search of technology and market. This study proposes that absorption capacity as moderating variable has a positive moderating effect on boundary spanning search and firm ambidextrous innovation. This is because knowledge acquired from inside and apply it, realize breakthrough innovation and form core competitive advantages, so as to help the enterprise realize so as to help the enterprise realize ambidextrous innovation. It is of great theoretical value to further deepen and perfect the interaction mechanism between knowledge management and innovation management theory.

THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL NETWORK ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE - THE CHAIN MEDIATION EFFECT BASED ON KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY

Innovation is the lifeblood and inexhaustible driving force behind the development of an enterprise. With the continuous improvement of scientific and technological levels, the acceleration of technological change, and the changes in market demand, the complexity and uncertainty of innovation are increasing day by day. Enterprises have to acquire knowledge from outside, to obtain new impetus for enterprise development. The rich knowledge resources contained in corporate social networks provide a foundation for future innovation and development. This article takes Chinese enterprises as the research object and uses open innovation theory, social network theory, and knowledge management theory to construct a conceptual model of "social network-knowledge acquisition-absorptive capacity-innovation performance." Through empirical analysis of 549 valid questionnaires, it was found that networks do not all have a positive effect on enterprise innovation performance. This study shows that network size, network centrality, and network heterogeneity have a positive effect on innovation performance. The effect of network relationship strength on innovation performance is not significant. Knowledge acquisition and absorptive capacity play an important role in society. Network size, network centrality, and network heterogeneity have a chain-mediating role in their impact on corporate innovation performance.

Factors of tacit knowledge acquisition and its mechanism of action on academic research performance: an empirical research from Chinese universities

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between higher education improvement and tacit knowledge importance. In this context, the scarcity of empirical and theoretical studies on acquiring tacit knowledge to enhance academic performance in higher education suggests that this research area holds significant importance for experts and policymakers. Consequently, this study aims to explore the factors that influence academic research performance at Chinese universities by acquiring tacit knowledge.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the study aims, the current approach utilizes the research technique based on the socialization, externalization, internalization and combination (SECI) model and knowledge management (KM) theory. To analyze the study objective, the authors collected data from post-graduate students at Chinese universities and analyzed it using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the model and hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicated that social interaction, internalization and self-motivation have a positive impact on academic research performance through the acquisition of tacit knowledge. Furthermore, the findings suggest that academic researchers can acquire more knowledge through social interaction than self-motivation, thereby advancing research progress.Originality/valueThis study addresses the critical issues surrounding the acquisition of tacit knowledge and presents a comprehensive framework and achievements that can contribute to achieving exceptional academic performance.

The effect of caring ethical climate on employees’ knowledge-hiding behavior: evidence from Chinese construction firms

This research aims to explore the influencing mechanism of a caring ethical climate on knowledge-hiding behavior in large construction firms according to the reciprocity principle of social exchange theory. This is an empirical study based on the analysis of survey data collected from 413 employees working in large construction firms in China. Hierarchical regression is applied to test the research model. This research finds: (1) Caring ethical climate has a negative influence on knowledge-hiding behavior; (2) Caring ethical climate has a positive influence on psychological contract; (3) Psychological contract has a negative influence on knowledge-hiding behavior; (4) Psychological contract mediates the relationship between caring ethical climate and knowledge-hiding behavior; (5) Task interdependence positively moderates the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge-hiding behavior. Based on the social exchange theory, this study provides significant contributions to the theory and practice of knowledge management in large construction firms by highlighting the influence of a caring ethical climate on knowledge hiding among employees. This paper provides suggestions for reducing knowledge hiding and enhancing knowledge sharing among employees in large construction firms, so as to improve the knowledge management ability of large construction firms and enhance their competitive advantages.

Uncovering the Hidden Factors of Resilience: Supply Chain Ecocentricity, Exploitation, and Exploration

This article sheds light on often overlooked organizational antecedents that build supply chain resilience by drawing on knowledge management theory and the resource-based view because of their focus on exploitation and exploration as capabilities related to organizational learning. It was examined whether the relationships between supply chain ecocentricity and supply chain exploitation and exploration practices enable supply chain resilience. It was also determined whether environmental uncertainty would affect the relationship between these enablers and resilience. Manufacturing companies operating in France were surveyed and variance-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze primary data from 405 completed questionnaires. Ecocentricity, driven mainly by secondary stakeholders, was found to influence supply chain resilience as well as the exploitation and exploration of resources and capabilities, confirming that they are enablers of supply chain resilience. Firms should be aware that secondary stakeholders cannot be neglected in the supply chain network, because they contribute to knowledge management and a better understanding of market contingencies and in turn improve supply chain resilience. The original contributions of this article are to demonstrate the relevance of the ecocentricity perspective and its role in helping achieve resilience in supply chains.

The Significance of Big Data Analytics in the Procurement Process and Supply Chain Management in the Nigerian Manufacturing Industry

The adoption of BDA in Nigeria faces challenges due to the absence of affordable computing, mining, reliable data, and weak institutional frameworks in many organisations. It is important to examine the significance of BDA in the procurement process and SCM in the Nigerian manufacturing industry (NMI). The study employed multiple case study sampling method, linear curve estimation (LCE), Cronbach’s alpha, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for the analysis of the data. The results showed that BDA contributed significantly to the increase in the procurement process by 65.3% and the increase in SCM by 48.4% in NMI. Further estimations to examine interconnectivity among the complex structures in SCM revealed that efficient procurement processes, SC visibility, and SC flexibility of NMI had positive and significant influence on SC resilience. Strong reliability was shown by the majority of scale items, which had Cronbach’s alpha coefficient values greater than 0.7 but less than 0.90. The outcomes of factor analysis indicated that the pattern matrix displayed significant factor loading and a high connection between factors. The study concluded that BDA is significant in the procurement process and SCM in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. Therefore, agreeing with knowledge management and competitive advantage theories that companies process diverse data to ensure efficient operations and market differentiation to improve competitive edge, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty in the industry. The study provides valuable insights for practical policy implications.

Concerning the Issue of Knowledge Management: Theory, Models, Methods

Within the frames of new system management shaping it becomes necessary to transform mechanisms of competitive advantage. Today three spheres of activity were selected: scientific, technological and personnel from all the priority fields of governmental level. The development and maintenance of scientific and personnel spheres are not possible without a unified system affecting creation, acquisition and efficient use of knowledge. In unstable economic conditions topicality of introducing knowledge management system in organizations is especially valuable. The article studies preconditions of the theory of knowledge management, the idea of post-industrial society and economy of knowledge. The authors characterized types of knowledge, showed value of knowledge in conceptions of organizational management and implicit knowledge. When theoretical aspects of knowledge management models were investigated, the parallel between shaping the system of knowledge management with intellectual capital and intangible resources was drawn. Theoretic aspects of the system of knowledge management were studied within the frames of systematic approach as a universal investigation tool.

Online Sharing Mechanism of Teaching Resources from the Perspective of Knowledge Management

With the rapid development of network technology, online sharing of teaching resources has gained widespread attention in the educational field. This sharing not only provides educators and learners with rich learning resources but also opens up new channels for knowledge innovation and dissemination. However, it remains a major challenge to efficiently manage, allocate, and evaluate these resources. Existing research methods often rely too heavily on traditional knowledge management theories and overlook the characteristics of online environments. This research aimed to study and propose a new online sharing mechanism for teaching resources from the perspective of knowledge management. This study provided a new theoretical framework and practical strategy for online sharing of teaching resources by completing the knowledge management system based on the TransCat model, introducing the online sharing algorithm of Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN), and using the resource effectiveness evaluation considering knowledge potential differences.