Organizational Knowledge Management Research Articles

Organizational Integration, Knowledge Management, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship for SMEs in Developing Economies

Abstract This study underscores the indispensable role of knowledge management (KM) in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. SMEs, being the backbone of various facets of society, including employment rates, gross domestic product growth, innovation, social cohesion, economic development, growth, and public policies, should be considered. SE is a pressing issue for low- and high-income countries and developed and developing economies. The study utilized a self-administered questionnaire to gather data from 490 SMEs operating in different commercial regions and industries, providing a large-scale empirical study that fills gaps in the existing literature. The study highlights the significance of KM processes in facilitating organizational integration (OI) activities, which positively influence the SE practices of these SMEs. The research offers practical recommendations for SMEs to foster SE through effective KM practices and OI strategies. Moreover, the study provides valuable insights for future research in this area. The findings of this study have substantial implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape in developing economies.

Information as a circular resource – facilitating information exchange to extend product-life

PurposeThis paper aims to study a circular economy business model that offers services with embedded information exchange capabilities to extend product life through maintenance and repair. Information exchange has been identified as a critical factor in advancing the principles of a circular economy, and this research was conducted to illustrate how information exchange can facilitate maintenance and repair.Design/methodology/approachThe study has a case study approach of collecting data through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.FindingsInformation exchange on what and when to do something engages end-users in maintenance and facilitates learning. For repair, the problem description and possible solutions are information that must be exchanged. Both types of information exchange are facilitated by simple tech solutions relying on known and inexpensive technology (e.g. e-mail service, video call and text messaging).Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the organisational development and knowledge management fields with novel insights on how information exchange and circular economy are related and can be facilitated.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights for companies looking for solutions on how to generate revenue from services and reduce resource consumption. The findings of the study suggest that the development of circular business models does not always require expensive high-tech solutions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique as it is empirically based on insights into how information exchange can extend product life through the use of simple digital tools.

Organisational ambidexterity and knowledge management: A systems perspective towards Smart Model‐based Governance

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for the governance of ‘modern’ smart organisations that integrates IT‐based orientation to decision‐making, systems thinking through system dynamics modelling and cybernetics. The design of the proposed framework is based on the key role played by knowledge in the governance of organisations. The literature on ambidexterity, organisational learning, knowledge management and systems thinking is the adopted research background. A synthesis of the connection points between these fields is proposed within a theoretical framework named Smart Model‐based Organisations. The main result of this work is represented by the proposed Smart Model‐based Governance (SMbG) framework and an example of application. There are two main findings related to the contribution of the proposed framework: the overcoming of ‘data‐based’ approaches that favour rigidity in knowledge governance and the contribution of systems approaches that, increasing organisational involvement, improve knowledge governance.

Ethical Considerations in Enhancing Quality Performance: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Employee Empowerment & Involvement, Communication, Knowledge Management and Organisational Culture

The aim of this study is to provide a conceptual model that links several key variables including employee empowerment & involvement and communication of organisational factors (OF), knowledge management (KM) and organisational culture (OC) to enhance quality performance (QP) of Hong Kong watchmaking industry. Literature review was conducted extensively, and the approach employed was conceptualized into a proposed conceptual framework. A conceptual framework was suggested in this paper to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry through employee empowerment & involvement and communication of OF, a mediator KM and a moderator OC. The literature review was performed extensively to provide four hypotheses including 1) the OF-KM relationship, 2) the KM-QP relationship, 3) the OF-QP relationship through a mediator KM, and 4) the KM-QP relationship through a moderator OC. More opportunities were provided in this study for researchers to expand further the research in QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry on the basis of the theories from knowledge-based view and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in the organisations. The study attempted to explore good employee empowerment & involvement and communication together with strategic KM and OC to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry. According to this study, the mediator KM and the moderator OC for the OF-QP relationship can be expected to enhance QP of Hong Kong watchmaking industry. KM mediates the OF-QP relationship whereas OC moderates the OF-QP relationship with existence of the mediator KM. In this connection, the study is significant with both theoretical perspective and practical perspective. A research gap is existed to find out a moderating role of OC in the OF-QP relationship if KM mediates the OF-QP relationship.

BIM Implementation for Storing, Sharing and Capturing Knowledge in Indonesian Project Construction

BIM as a digital representation of assets has been used to facilitate design, construction, and operation process to form a reliable basis for decisions. While knowledge is part of the company's assets, knowledge will be maintained in the system so that it may be recalled if needed if BIM is used to document, store, and distribute knowledge more easily. This study will determine how BIM adoption supports knowledge storage, knowledge share, and knowledge capture in Indonesian construction projects. Data was obtained by interview and analysed using qualitative method. The results showed that large state-owned construction companies in Indonesia had implemented BIM-based knowledge management to assist organisational knowledge management process, especially in knowledge capture, storage and share on several projects, and reduce knowledge loss due to time lapse. Finding also shows that knowledge created in a project is centralised in one model, and lessons or knowledge can be grouped with BIM user preferences.

Seven‐Layer Model for Creating Organizational KM Excellence

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a practical seven‐layer model that provides a holistic framework for creation an optimal foundation for organizational knowledge management (KM). The research corpus consists of three data collection tools; In the physical field we conducted personal interviews and a focus groups with 52 KM professionals. In the online arena we conducted a web ethnography, in which we surveyed tens of thousands of posts and comments which were posted in two virtual KM groups on the Facebook social network. The research is based on the qualitative‐constructivist paradigm. The data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, relying on the grounded theory approach. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to the empirical knowledge of the KM field, and may stand to guide practitioners in successful implementation of KM practices in organizations.

Evaluating the performance of an integrated evidence-based nursing knowledge management (I-EBNKM) platform in real-world clinical environments

BackgroundFor evidence-based knowledge to be applicable in clinical practice, providing support for and the management of knowledge is required to ensure the effective sharing of appropriate expertise across healthcare organizations. Knowledge management platforms can provide a wide range of benefits related to the activation and establishment of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical environments. ObjectivesIn this study, we developed an integrated evidence-based nursing knowledge management (I-EBNKM) platform and applied it in real-world clinical environments to evaluate its effectiveness. MethodsWe designed an I-EBNKM platform with three main functions: (1) clinical questioning and knowledge linkage, (2) systematic knowledge management, and (3) knowledge communication. After a two-month long application of the I-EBNKM platform in real-world clinical environments, we evaluated the changes in the levels of knowledge in EBP, attitude, practice, confidence in clinical questioning, individual innovative behavior, innovative organizational culture, and organizational knowledge management. The experimental and control groups consisted of 198 nurses, who participated in the study. ResultsAfter applying the I-EBNKM platform, the levels of EBP knowledge and skills (t = 7.16; p <.001), attitude (t = 6.30; p <.001), practice (t = 7.63; p <.001), confidence in clinical questioning (t = 4.57; p <.001), individual innovative behavior (t = 8.72; p <.001), and organizational knowledge management (t = 7.43; p <.001) differed significantly between the experimental group and the control group. ConclusionThe results of this study clearly indicate that the I-EBNKM platform we developed has the potential to enhance nurses’ involvement in ensuring effective knowledge management in real-world clinical environments. Therefore, the provision of an innovative digital approach ensuring systematic and timely organizational support among nurses is of critical importance.

The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management: A Case Study of Bam University of Medical Sciences

Background: Knowledge management creates value for the organization by turning human capital into intellectual assets. Organizational culture affects knowledge management by influencing these assets. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the components of organizational culture and knowledge management at Bam University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a cross-sectional design in 2017 on 190 staff members of Bam University of Medical Sciences who were selected through stratified sampling. The data were collected using Probst’s Knowledge Management Questionnaire and Denison Organizational Culture Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation test and linear regression analysis with SPSS-26 software. Results: Most of the staff (81%) had a positive evaluation of the state of organizational culture. The highest and lowest mean scores for the components of organizational culture were related to consistency (2.88) and adaptability (2.67) and also knowledge identification (3.30) and knowledge use (2.53) as the components of knowledge management. The results showed a statistically significant relationship (P&lt;0.005) between organizational culture and knowledge management. Conclusion: The findings confirmed a significant relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management, indicating that the stronger the organizational culture, the more successful the implementation of knowledge management will be. Thus, to improve knowledge management and sharing in the organization, managers can focus on the organizational culture and improve its various dimensions.

Conceptual model of the product development process using the tacit knowledge of disables

Knowledge management (KM) in an organization has always been an important element of creating its value and ensuring its development. Economic entities and market organizations that strive to ensure a competitive advantage must care for the best use of their knowledge, both explicit and tacit. Tacit knowledge may constitute up to 80% of all knowledge accumulated in an organization, but its nature is much less accessible to codification. The aim of the conducted research is to present a conceptual model of product development for the disabled, which assumes the functioning of the value network (VN) based on information technologies (IT). These people are the best source of knowledge necessary to formulate the framework defining the parameters of the developed product. The presented model considers the specific requirements of a given social group, which is characterized by a large dispersion and diverse needs. This is the biggest obstacle to extracting the knowledge necessary in the design and testing process. The article is an introduction to the discussion on the acquisition of tacit knowledge for personalization and adaptation of products to the needs of a given social group. The research into the conceptual model is the initial stage of research work that focuses on the analysis of literature and the creation of the concept of tacit knowledge management in the product development model based on the value network. The management of dispersed tacit knowledge is to systematize specific information in the field of product adaptation to the needs of the disabled. The concept of using tacit knowledge is always a challenge in the organization's knowledge management. The disabled often face difficulties in everyday life. Especially in the current situation in Ukraine, where military operations lead to an increase in the number of injured people for whom later adaptation in society will require appropriate knowledge and resources managed within the value network.

Fostering a virtual knowledge sharing community in a Malaysian financial institution

The purpose of this research was to study the set-up process of cultivating a knowledge sharing community in a financial institution comprising of 500 over employees. The areas that were researched were – what major issues can be identified during the set-up phase, the critical success factors, and way-forward plans to sustain this program. This paper proposes in adopting an IS model in implementing a virtual knowledge sharing community. Conforming to a case study approach, the study investigates the outcomes of a 14-month on-going implementation program, encompassing of strategic discussions and multiple workshops in assessing critical knowledge assets and developing techniques in how best to manage explicit and tacit knowledge, amongst knowledge workers. The valuable insights were focused, in particular on KM training for the newly designated ‘KM Stewards’ who were responsible of driving the organisational KM strategic initiatives and the implementation of a KM capability assessment technique that can be adopted in a financial sector. Special emphasis was made in building the skills in intra-organisational cooperation and management engagement for meeting the challenge of ‘capturing’ and codifying tacit knowledge and ultimately the generation of lessons learned and fostering of virtual communities of practice in promoting a new form of ‘collective intelligence’ in the organisation. With practitioners’ experience in adopting an IS model, this paper will highlight the implementation road map for assessing the usage of knowledge management systems, challenges faced by the KM Task Force, action plans and outcomes with the user community. Finally, this article will be able to contribute to the theoretical knowledge on knowledge sharing in the financial sector of domain. The research methodology is discussed, followed by results and a discussion of the results. Finally, conclusion and future research are presented.

Developing Intellectual Capital Through Knowledge Management in International Assignments: A Conceptual Model

Currently, organisations must view their intangible assets from a strategic perspective and ensure they can develop intellectual capital to integrate knowledge into their day-to-day management as part of their intangible assets. This strategic perspective leads to using international assignees as knowledge facilitators who can help develop intellectual capital. However, managing knowledge from international assignments to create intellectual capital is often complicated, and the literature pleads for more research on the topic. Therefore, through a systematic literature review, this study aims to overview the state of the art regarding knowledge and intellectual capital management in the context of international assignments to develop a new conceptual model in the field. This study answers the gap in the literature regarding a model that analyses how international assignments influence knowledge management and the creation of intellectual capital in organisations. The main findings suggest that research needs to focus on developing a system to manage knowledge and intellectual capital in the context of international assignments to ensure competitive advantage. The main limitation of this study is the use of only two databases. Further studies should implement the same research procedure using other databases to achieve a broader understanding. In addition, future research needs to focus on developing measurement models of knowledge and IC management for organisations.

Initial Standardized Knowledge Management Framework, Formed from Learning During a Humanitarian Crisis

The paper presents some aspects of knowledge management theory. This underpins a research methodology designed to expose knowledge transfer in voluntary not-for-profit groups. The paper aims are to make recommendations which, supported by a knowledge management strategy and good practices, provide the basis for the development of a future model of knowledge management in crisis situations. A hypothesis has been established: During emergencies that arise suddenly, a variety of information and knowledge is dispersed, widely disseminated, and belongs to many different organizations. A coherent information system is needed for the dissemination and sharing of knowledge for effective assistance to people affected by the crisis. The main challenge in managing knowledge in such humanitarian emergencies, is the fact that a wide variety of information and knowledge is dispersed, disseminated, and originally belongs to many different organizations. These information resources may not be organized and used effectively during a crisis situation. Over time, preliminary and non-standardized rules are developed. The authors of this paper took part in a humanitarian action - both independently and in cooperation with non-governmental organizations. This allowed for the collection of extensive research material. During the research, the methodology of participatory observation and surveys was used. The aim of the study was to develop knowledge management standards, for use in the event of other humanitarian crises. The final research technique used is given, from participant selection to outcome analysis. It was found that processes of organizational learning and active knowledge management occurred in many forms. Knowledge was transferred in and out of the organizations. Expertise from earlier experiences was applied, and transferred, becoming explicit. Managerial skills and methods were applied in new organizational contexts. Many similarities and some differences were found, despite clear differences in the type of organisations and country of origin. The research allowed the authors to research extensively into people’s motivations, priorities, and forms of information transfer. Knowledge acquisition, transfer and sharing were clearly identifiable, as was organizational learning and subsequent usage of it. Future implementation of standardized, coherent knowledge management rules, used in crisis situations will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and its reuse. The framework can also be applied to other situations of emergency decision making, such as crisis management and emergency medical assistance.

Systematic Literature Review on Agility in Knowledge-intensive Organizations

Organizational agility may be an antidote against threats from volatile, uncertain, complex, or ambiguous corporate environments. While agility has been extensively examined in manufacturing enterprises, comparably less is known about agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. As results may not be transferable, there is still some confusion about how agility in knowledge-intensive organizations can be characterized, what factors facilitate its development, what its organizational effects are, and what environmental conditions favor these effects. This study closes these gaps by presenting a systematic literature review on agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. A systematic literature search led to a sample of 37 relevant papers for our review. Integrating the knowledge-based view and a dynamic capabilities perspective, we (1) present different relevant conceptualizations of organizational agility, (2) discuss relevant knowledge management-related as well as information technology-related capabilities that support the development of organizational agility, and (3) shed light on the moderating role of environmental conditions in enhancing organizational agility and its effect on organizational performance. This academic paper adds value to theory by synthesizing existing research on agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. It furthermore may serve as a map for closing research gaps by proposing an extensive agenda for future research. Our study expands existing literature reviews on agility with its specific focus on a knowledge-intensive context and its integration of the research streams of knowledge management capabilities as well as information technology capabilities. It integrates relevant organizational knowledge management practices and the use of knowledge management systems to ensure superior performance effects. Our study can serve as a base for future examinations of organizational agility by illustrating fruitful topics for further examination as well as open questions. It may also provide value to practitioners by showing what factors favor the development of agility in knowledge-intensive organizations and what organizational effects can be achieved under which conditions.

Impact of knowledge management on job satisfaction and organizational performance among healthcare employees: A structural equation modeling approach.

Organizational knowledge management (KM) involves creating, preserving, and sharing employees' knowledge. This approach can enhance efficiency, improve performance, and boost job satisfaction (JS) throughout all aspects of the organization. This research aimed to investigate the effect of three variables of KM, JS, and organizational performance (OP) on the employees of the Health and Treatment Network in Haji Abad City. A study was conducted with 211 employees, such as physicians, nurses, and technicians. These employees worked in various sections, such as hospitals, health centers, rural centers, and emergency centers within the Health and Treatment Network of Haji Abad City. Newman and Kenard's KM, Hersey and Goldsmith's OP, and Smith, Kendall & Hulin's Job Satisfaction Questionnaires were used. The statistical software LISREL 8.8 was used to conduct structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that the structural equation models had a good fit. Significant positive relationships exist between KM processes (creation, retention, and application) and JS. No significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS. The coefficient obtained from SEM between knowledge retention and OP was 0.74, indicating a strong and direct correlation between the two variables. The standardized coefficients for the relationship between knowledge creation and retention and JS were 0.45 and 0.33, respectively. This indicates a positive and direct effect of knowledge creation and retention on JS. All KM processes positively predict OP. The research model had a good fit, and the KM processes had a positive effect on performance and JS. However, no significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS among employees in the Health and Treatment Network. More research is needed to identify mediating variables and factors influencing this phenomenon in healthcare centers.

Examining the Mediating Effect of Knowledge Management on the Relationship Between Organizational Culture and Organizational Performance

Nowadays, organizations with international dimensions are surrounded by fierce competition and extreme, unstable environments. With these hostile conditions, only those organizations that demonstrate better performances in comparison to their rivals can survive. They can outperform their rivals regarding financial, procedural, and internal operations. To this aim, two variables, organizational culture, and knowledge management, play crucial roles. On the one hand, organizational performance hinges on the in-depth storage of experience, creation, and classification of knowledge. On the other hand, they are under the impression of social and cultural variables of the organization. Among these items, knowledge management is also under the influence of organizational culture and is capable of taking a mediatory role in organizational culture performance. Thus, this research is aimed at exploring the mediatory role of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational culture and performance. Simultaneously exploring these two factors can give new insight into organizational performance under the social and knowledge variables and extend the literature in this area. To this end, each of the three factors was investigated through library study and defined as factorial constructs. Afterward, their relationship was modeled, and the model was under effect in Etehad Rah Engineering Advisory Company as the research’s Statistical Society. A simple random method was used; 28 persons constitute the research’s participants. A questionnaire and PLS software were used to collect and analyze the data. The results reveal a positive and significant relationship between organizational performance and culture directly and through knowledge management. Moreover, a positive and significant correlation exists between organizational performance and knowledge management and organizational culture and knowledge management.

The Organizational Resources and Knowledge Management Capability: A Systematic Review

Competitive advantage and sustainability of business organizations can only be achieved when an organization identifies, boosts, and directs its resources toward building its capabilities. The literature identified knowledge management (KM) resources and capabilities as the most critical enablers of organizational performance and innovations. This systematic review identified KM resources (enablers) and their effects on KM capabilities. The review also went into the theories used in the empirical research on the problem. To achieve those goals, the authors summarized 27 quantitative, peer-reviewed studies found in well-known databases and published in the last 5 years between January 2014 and April 2019. The review revealed that the primary organizational KM resources are culture, people, leadership, organization structure, resources, capabilities, strategy and technology. To these, the review added some factors, which are social factors, organizational knowledge and organizational characteristics. The study is significant in finding the most common variables or factors in business KM and their implication of them for enhancing knowledge capability and organizational performance.

ChatGPT+: Empowering Knowledge Management in Organizations

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, successful organizations recognize the vital role of effective knowledge management. However, traditional methods often prove inadequate in managing the overwhelming influx of digital information, leading to inefficiencies and hindered collaboration. This paper delves into the transformative capabilities of ChatGPT+ in empowering knowledge management within organizations. The paper identified increased productivity, enhanced decision making, improved customer service, and cost efficiency as possible benefits of using ChatGPT+ for knowledge management in organizations.

Research on digital knowledge management model within enterprises

In the era of digital economy, the digital transformation of enterprise management mode has greatly promoted the efficiency of internal knowledge utilization and enterprise innovation process, while the construction mechanism of enterprise digital management still needs to be theoretically explored. This paper adopts literature research method to define the concept of knowledge digitization and discusses the motives and mechanisms of the operation mechanism of the internal knowledge digitization management mode of enterprises based on the perspective of the whole life cycle management of data. Digital technology is incorporated into the enterprise internal knowledge management system, and digital knowledge management organization makes the knowledge in the enterprise knowledge management system more interrelated and more intelligent and convenient in solving business. It promotes the in-depth and universal development of the theory of intra-enterprise knowledge management mode and provides practical reference for improving the level of enterprise knowledge management.

The Importance of Knowledge Management in Secondary Vocational Education Organizations in Greece

In recent years, knowledge management has increased in popularity as a management tool, as well as a new research field. Most organizations realize that "knowledge" is a strategic resource that can provide them with a sustainable competitive advantage and help them to achieve long-term organizational goals. Based on this, organizations attempt to use knowledge management to promote innovation, to improve organizational efficiency also to accelerate the creation and exchange of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to present the importance of knowledge management in Greek vocational education. Essentially, it will study and try to highlight the way Vocational High Schools (VΗC), which are being secondary vocational education organizations, to attempt to manage knowledge in an effective way, also the knowledge management practices that can be useful in such an environment. The conclusions highlight the important elements of knowledge management in technical vocational education organizations.

Religious Knowledge Management Practices in a Pentecostal Denomination in South Africa

Religious organisations are significant producers of knowledge and in recent years, knowledge management (KM) has become a crucial necessity for organisations to achieve success and effectiveness. Pentecostal churches are frequently established, particularly in densely populated informal settlements in many parts of Africa. This study aimed to assess KM practices at a Pentecostal church in an informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa, using the knowledge conversion model. The study objectives were to examine the level of awareness and uptake of KM practices, determine the level of openness to knowledge sharing and conversion among church leaders and members, and evaluate how knowledge conversion and management practices contribute to achieving the church’s goals of spreading the gospel and enhancing community services. The study population consisted of the church leadership and adult members. The results revealed that the level of awareness and uptake of KM practices was very low, with no documented training or responsible individuals identified for managing knowledge. Tacit knowledge was being shared informally through dialogue and religious meetings but was not formally extracted, documented, or converted into explicit knowledge for organisational productivity, sharing, and reuse. Some leaders were not keen on explicitly managing and sharing knowledge, a number of members thought it is very important for knowledge to be documented and shared. The study developed a conceptual model for implementing KM in Pentecostal religious organisations. The model provides a practical framework for improving knowledge sharing and enhancing organisational productivity, which can lead to more effective gospel dissemination and community service. This study highlights the importance of effective KM in religious organisations and provides valuable insights for leaders seeking to leverage knowledge to achieve their goals.