Understanding Of Knowledge Management Research Articles

Knowledge transfer and protection in international joint ventures: An integrative review

Cross-border transfer and the protection of knowledge are important for multinational enterprises (MNEs) to develop their network partners’ capabilities while simultaneously safeguarding competitive advantages. However, they can be challenging for MNEs due to cultural and institutional differences between home and host markets. This poses a dilemma for MNEs, which is how to strike a balance between their knowledge transfer (KT) and knowledge protection (KP) strategies. It is notable that, so far, research has primarily investigated these two areas independently, lacking an integrative view. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed 98 academic articles exploring knowledge transfer/protection in MNEs operating under international joint venture (IJV) arrangements and assessed publications from the last two decades (2000–2022). Drawing from institutional theory and the bargaining power perspective, we developed a conceptual framework highlighting the external and internal factors influencing KT and KP. Subsequently, we contextualized these factors within the specific domain of IJVs, drawing on insights gleaned from the studies in our sample. The interplay of these factors, along with their contextual nuances, provides a holistic and in-depth understanding of how knowledge is managed within the complex dynamics of IJVs. In addition, our review contributes to our understanding of knowledge management in MNEs by identifying novel gaps in the literature and suggesting a number of avenues for future research.

What and how influence the safety knowledge sharing of new generation of construction workers in China: a study based on DEMATEL and ISM

PurposeNew generation of construction workers (NGCWs) who were born in the 1980s and later have gradually become the main workforce of Chinese construction industry. They may behave differently when dealing with knowledge-related activities due to divergent characteristics caused by generational discrepancy. To provide a theoretical foundation for construction companies and safety managers to improve safety management, this research explores the factors and paths impacting the NGCWs' ability to share their safety knowledge.Design/methodology/approachBased on literature review, main factors that influence the safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs were identified. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Interpretive Structural Modeling were applied to identify the hierarchical and contextual relations among the factors influencing the safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs.FindingsThe results showed that sharing atmosphere ranked first in centrality and had a high degree of influence and being influenced, indicating itself an extremely important influencing factor of safety knowledge sharing of NGCWs. Six root influencing factors were identified, including individual characteristics, work pressure, sharing platform, incentive mechanism, leadership support and safety management system.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of influencing factors of safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs identified in this study is limited, and the data obtained by the expert scoring method is subjective. In future studies, the model should be further developed and validated by incorporating experts from different fields to improve its integrity and applicability.Practical implicationsThe influencing factors identified in this paper can provide a basis for construction companies and safety managers to improve productivity and safety management by taking relevant measures to promote safety knowledge sharing. The research contributes to the understanding knowledge management in the context of the emerging market. It helps to answer the question of how the market can maintain the economic growth success through effective knowledge management.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the influencing factors of NGCWs' safety knowledge sharing from the perspective of intergenerational differences, and the 13 influencing factor index system established expands the scope of research on factors influencing safety knowledge sharing among construction workers and fills the gap in safety knowledge sharing research on young construction workers. Furthermore, this paper establishes a multi-layer recursive structure model to clarify the influence path of the influencing factors and contributes to the understanding of safety knowledge sharing mechanism.

Knowledge Management, Organizational Innovativeness, and Adversity Quotient on Institutional Performance of Local Economic Enterprises

This study attempted to assess the influence of knowledge management, organizational innovativeness, and adversity quotients manifested through the institutional performance. There are 221 local economic enterprise employees of the local government units in Bukidnon participated in the study, which employed a quantitative descriptive design, to evaluate the relationship between two or more variables as well as the multiple regression analysis in determining variables that predict institutional performance. Findings revealed that knowledge management, organizational innovativeness, and adversity quotient are predictors, positively correlated and have a statistically significant relationship to institutional performance. The overall predictive model is presented as follows; Institutional performance = 1.123 + 0.189*Ownership. The overall model tested was highly significant with F = 3.654, p=.000. The regression model further discloses that for every unit change in ownership, there is a corresponding increase by .189 of the institutional performance. Based on this result, the null hypothesis is rejected. The independent variable, taken as a whole, can predict the institutional performance of the local economic enterprise employees. The data implies that the higher level of ownership in adverse situations of the local economic enterprise employees, the more they have performed well in their institutional performance. Therefore, one of the practical implications of this result in the management of organizational innovation processes is that to manage the innovation process effectively, owners and, or managers need to understand knowledge management and innovativeness factors that affect different innovation types in their institutional performance.

Exploring knowledge management enablers for blockchain-enabled food supply chain implementations

PurposeWith the advent of new technologies, the integration of blockchain-enabled food supply chain (FSC) implementations is on the rise. Considering the multilateral, comprehensive and complex nature of the whole blockchain-enabled FSC implementation process, understanding knowledge management (KM) practices will add value. Prior literature shows that only a few studies have focused on this topic. As such, this study aims to identify and establish key KM enablers for blockchain-enabled FSC implementations.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a qualitative research approach. By conducting 22 in-depth interviews with experienced blockchain implementation experts in FSC contexts, this study provides interesting insights for academics and practitioners.FindingsThe results of the analysis highlighted eight critical KM enablers that directly influence blockchain-enabled FSC implementations. They include external enablers (i.e. regulation and market competition) as well as internal enablers (i.e. people – organizational learning, strategy and leadership, culture, information technology, organizational infrastructure, processes and activities).Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies that identify KM enablers for blockchain-enabled FSC implementations. Considering the novelty of decentralized blockchain implementations in FSC and its importance in transforming silo-based knowledge exchange to a decentralized operational structure, this study attempts to identify factors that increase the efficiency of blockchain implementations in FSC contexts.

An empirical study of critical success factors in implementing knowledge management systems (KMS): The moderating role of culture

This research focuses on the moderating effect of culture on the relationships between KMS and other variables affecting KMS in the service industry. The effects of a number of variables on KMS were examined via analysis and hypothesis testing. These variables included culture; people; process; strategy; and technology. The results show that culture and people have a substantial impact on KMS's performance, emphasizing the need of cultivating a supportive company culture and empowering employees. Furthermore, strategy and technology were shown to be critical in allowing effective knowledge management practices in the service industry. The research also investigates the moderating impacts of culture on these linkages, demonstrating that culture modulates the impact of process, technology, and strategy on KMS. However, it was shown that the interplay between culture and people did not substantially alter the link between people and KMS. These results provide useful insights for firms looking to improve their knowledge management methods, underlining the need to take culture into account and aligning it with strategic goals and technology solutions. While the study adds to our understanding of knowledge management in the service industry, further research is needed to investigate other elements and situations. Overall, this research has practical significance for firms looking to enhance their knowledge management activities and overall organizational performance.

The importance of knowledge management in gastronomy: a chef’s future career, the next generations of chefs and trends

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to shed new light on empirical and conceptual aspects related to chefs’ careers and the hospitality sector. The study examines how the future of the chef’s profession is perceived, how future generations of chefs could be developed and the main emerging trends within the chef’s scene.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured, face-to-face, online and telephone interviews were conducted with 34 chefs operating in Australia and 35 in Vietnam.FindingsThe findings reveal ten dimensions that strongly adhere to knowledge management (KM) and the notions of the knowledge-based view of the firm. In addition, numerous differences in how the two groups perceived aspects of their careers transpire. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework was developed, with important theoretical and practical implications.Practical implicationsThe importance of KM through talent development, mentoring, creating a learning environment and enhancing problem-solving skills is highlighted.Originality/valueWhile scholarly works emphasise chefs’ value, importance and contributions, little is known about the links between their careers and KM. Furthermore, almost no study has compared chefs across geographic/cultural domains. The study addresses these research gaps and contributes to the conceptual understanding of KM within the chefs’ domain.

Knowledge as a theoretical object: Implications for knowledge management

The thesis of this paper is that, despite its substantial accomplishments over the past 40 years as a professional practice, knowledge management (KM) has yet to mature as an intellectual discipline. The goal of this conceptual paper is to accelerate this maturation by generalizing KM. The paper does so by identifying KM’s generic social phenomena and how these phenomena can be better understood through the development of theory oriented around knowledge that defines, predicts, and explains them. KM theory is examined through an extensive review of the existing literature. Four levels of organizational KM are offered, including two that examine an organization’s basis (resources) and essence (ideas and actions), while the second two build upon these to examine resource management in general, and the management of knowledge resources specifically. Treating KM as a theoretical object will lead to greater understanding of KM. This enriched understanding will lead to a more effective performance of KM. The achievement of this paper’s goal (i.e., generalizing KM) will facilitate the maturation of KM into a discipline and practice that consistently contributes to organizational effectiveness. Little KM literature exists on the conceptualization of knowledge as a theoretical object, which offers the opportunity not only to develop theory that defines, predicts, and explains KM within organizations more systematically but also ultimately to understand better the ways in which KM contributes to individual happiness, community cohesion, and social prosperity.

Understanding knowledge management strategies in institutions of higher learning and the corporate world: A systematic review

Understanding knowledge management strategies in institutions of higher learning and the corporate world: A systematic review

Understanding knowledge management and upskilling in Fourth Industrial Revolution: transformational shift and SECI model

PurposeThe adoption of knowledge management (KM) to steer new skills and capabilities among people provides evidence that KM not only offers competitive advantages but also provides a means for organisational survival, by improvising core capabilities or generate new ones that can drive people in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era. This paperaim to identify critical new skills and capabilities among people within an organisation to stay competitive, innovative and relevant.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the findings on new skills assessment for Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study was carried out through an interview with a focus group discussion technique to gather data on the role of KM in creating new set of skills or capabilities in Fourth Industrial Revolution’s landscape. The study also reports a bibliographic study of critical skills based on more than a decade of related academic and industry publications to portray research trends and future directions.FindingsThere is a demand in “must-have” skills related to Industry 4.0 such as capability for complex decision-making, complex problem-solving, collaborative innovation, project management, creativity and critical thinking, social skill and social responsibility. While these skills are critical enablers to aiding individuals in the scenarios of plausible 4IR futures, several important new research trends that emerge have also not been adequately explored including KM and Industry 4.0 skill gap, skill evolution, machine knowledge, intuitive decision-making, rational decision-making, technostress, digital fluency, collaborative innovation, industrial policies, human–machine interaction and societal systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides a roadmap for the next research trends and topics in the area of Fourth Industrial Revolution and new skills requirements. The study discusses some of the essential issues and challenges with upskilling required for Industry 4.0. It also focuses on how upskilling learning initiatives influence new knowledge creation. This primarily contributes to the educational field in deciding how and when to adopt appropriate strategies and identify which initiatives to best meet the needs of its community.Practical implicationsKM enables individuals to utilise their existing core capabilities or generate new ones for immediate investment in upskilling to meet current and future skills needs required by an organisation. Simply put, KM will improve the organisation’s talent-driven learning strategy and increase individuals’ ability to learn faster and attain sustainable competitive advantage in a fast-paced ever changing environment.Originality/valueThis paper is useful to academics, practitioners and policymakers in the fields of KM. The research provides initial insight into new skills mapping in the context of Fourth Industrial Revolution and the needs for researchers to understand the recent research trends in KM.

Risks in the absence of optimal knowledge management in knowledge-intensive organizations

PurposeThis study aims to identify the risks associated with the lack of optimal knowledge management (KM) in knowledge-intensive organizations and delves into understanding their severity. In doing so, the authors explored the significance attributed to these issues by international KM experts.Design/methodology/approachA case method was chosen. The study began with semi-structured in-depth interviews and continued with focus groups as part of the qualitative research paradigm. The data was analyzed using a thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory approach.FindingsThe findings provide empirical evidence for a set of risks faced by organizations in a reality where organizational knowledge is managed poorly. The study finds that, in the experts’ view, the risks associated with knowledge constitute a clear catalyst for initiating and investing efforts to manage organizational knowledge. In addition, their severity is usually understood only after the occurrence of a business or organizational crisis related to knowledge.Originality/valueThis pioneering research contributes to empirical knowledge through an unexplored scientific field. The uniqueness of this research is also reflected in the voices of KM professionals. The authors extended the literature on knowledge risks, taking a broad perspective of a variety of organizations from different sectors. In doing so, the study also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of KM. The study has implications on the practical level in view of deepening the understanding of the severity of the risk in the absence of optimal KM in knowledge-intensive organizations.

A dynamic model of knowledge management in innovative technology companies: A case from the energy sector

This paper presents fresh insights into how medium to large innovative technology companies in the energy business evolve their knowledge management (KM) capability. To date existing models of KM have been static, while this work provides a more dynamic approach. The primary data is analysed using a combination of an operational research (OR) approach (causal mapping) with a well-established generic qualitative research method (the Gioia method). This paper contributes to KM literature by developing a dynamic model of KM, which shows how KM capability evolves over time within an organisation. In this model, KM evolves from managing explicit knowledge through knowledge sharing to creating new knowledge. Such understanding of KM as a process can help managers in decision making with respect to both KM and innovation activities.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE STUDY

Knowledge management is considered key to the success of organizations today and is critical in knowledge-intensive areas such as the service sector. This study aims to understand knowledge management focus in service organizations, to identify research gaps in the field, and to shape the knowledge management approach in Information Technology Service Management (ITSM). Firstly, the basics of knowledge management and service management will be explained then a systematic literature review will be conducted on academic literature focusing on service organizations. Finally, the results of the study will be shared, and suggestions will be made for future studies.

Understanding Knowledge Management in Public Organizations through the Organizational Knowing Perspective: a Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of KM within public organizations through the ‘organizational knowing’ perspective. It was conducted a systematic literature review by using two online databases: Scopus and WOS. A dataset of 123 publications was analysed through citation and co-citation analysis. Results have shown the existence of a network of the 42 most cited sources and 2 topic clusters. This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a comprehensive overview of KM within public sector organizations and leads to further reflections on the concept of organizational knowing as a central mechanism in the production and articulation of knowledge.

Knowledge management in knowledge-intensive organisations: Understanding its benefits, processes, infrastructure and barriers

Background: Knowledge management aims to improve organisational performance and it marks the beginning of organisational transformation. Most knowledge-intensive organisations engage and practise knowledge management without a full understanding of its benefits. A knowledge-intensive organisation is an organisation whose services and operations are heavily reliant on professional knowledge. The study, therefore, provides a solid understanding of knowledge management benefits, processes, infrastructure and barriers in knowledge-intensive organisations.Objectives: To understand knowledge management, its benefits, processes, infrastructure and barriers in knowledge-intensive organisations. The research objectives extend our understanding of knowledge management in organisations, identify and describe knowledge management benefits. Identification of the most important knowledge management process and associated infrastructure are among other objectives.Method: A survey was used to solve the problem. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 112 participants from knowledge-intensive firms in Namibia. The quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet package.Results: The study has revealed that the prime benefit of knowledge management in knowledge-intensive organisations is to allow improved knowledge flow, thereby enhancing the capability of the organisation to manage change with more than 50% representation of the participants. In addition to that, the study also found that knowledge sharing is the most important knowledge management process, among other processes such as knowledge creation, knowledge capture and knowledge reuse. All the participants (100%) concurred that a flat organisational structure supports knowledge sharing. The research findings have further discovered that the biggest barrier to effective knowledge management is the lack of budget to support knowledge management efforts. This was represented by 67.9% of the participants. Lack of executive support and lack of time were also among the great barriers with 57.1% and 52.7%, respectively.Conclusion: Knowledge management allows improved knowledge flow in knowledge-intensive organisations. We can, therefore, conclude that the participants believed that knowledge sharing is more important than creation, capturing, transferring and reuse. It is, therefore, important to underscore that knowledge sharing should be taken as a priority if organisations are to remain competitive. Research results have also revealed that a flat organisational structure is the best for knowledge sharing. For improved organisational performance, knowledge management barriers must be removed with the assistance of management.

Let Me Draw You A Map: Knowledge Management From “Two Completely Different Streams of Thought”

This paper represents the results of a conversation between Adrienne Heavy Head, the creator and manager of the Blackfoot Digital Library (BDL), at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, and Mary Greenshields, a new librarian in Alberta. The aim of the conversation was for Mary, a settler living in traditional Blackfoot Territory, to learn about the creation and maintenance of the BDL, and to gain insight into the organization, access, and classification of information within the library as a real life example of some of the protocols suggested by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA). Adrienne and Mary hope that this conversation will help librarians to better understand knowledge management from a Blackfoot perspective and might inspire librarians to start such conversation with the Indigenous peoples upon whose land their libraries rest.

Knowledge management of pomelo production system in Northeast Thailand: A case study of the pomelo farmer group in Ban Thaen district

In Thailand pomelo is a fruit tree that has long been grown in the central region particularly in Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom province where soil is relatively fertile and has conditions of sufficient water resources. In contrast, the northeast region has lower soil fertility. Most farmers grow field crops such as rice, cassava and sugarcane instead of fruit trees. However, there is one area in northeast Thailand that is famous for pomelo production in terms of quantity as well as quality for both export and local markets. This area is in Ban Thaen district, Chaiyaphum province. The research objectives of this study is to describe the context of Ban Thaen pomelo farmer group, examine different approaches and understand knowledge management processes of pomelo production. Five key informants groups were selected for the study, consisting of a group leader and group committee members identified for group discussions in order to understand the community context and factors of pomelo production of their group. A total of 17 households were selected for in-depth interviews along with participation observation among some households. Findings show that knowledge management on pomelo production in Ban Thaen is vital for their innovation and practices to increase production volume and quality. This is accomplished through knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing is possible through existing social spaces in various forms.

Mapping knowledge risks: towards a better understanding of knowledge management

ABSTRACTThis conceptual paper aims to identify, present, and analyze potential knowledge risks organizations might face. With the growing complexity of organizational environments and the plethora of new knowledge risks emerging, this critical but under-researched field of knowledge management (KM) deserves closer attention. The study is based on a critical analysis of the extant literature devoted to knowledge risks, discusses potential outcomes of these risks and proposes a concept map of knowledge risks. The map shows a number of knowledge risks organizations should be aware of. Knowledge risks can be assigned to three categories: human, technological and operational. The research is the first systematic and comprehensive review of knowledge risks at the organizational level. By aggregating and consolidating the knowledge risks covered, the study does not only provide a knowledge risk taxonomy but also promising directions for future research. The study also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of KM.

Knowledge management as a strategic tool for human resource management at higher education institutions

Background: Higher education institutions (HEIs) the world over are beginning to recognise the importance of knowledge management; however, such institutions are still in their formative stages of addressing, evaluating and implementing the benefits of knowledge management with particular reference to human resource management (HRM). Knowledge management is a viable means through which HEIs could gainfully capitalise on their intellectual and social capital. Objectives: This study explores knowledge management as a strategic tool for HRM in HEIs. Specifically, the dimensions such as organisational culture, organisational performance, technology, management support and the institutions’ mission and vision will be evaluated to understand knowledge management within HEIs. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, a self-administered questionnaire was sent to 91 individuals representing senior, middle and junior human resource managers at selected HEIs in South Africa, Mauritius and India. The study investigated the impact of policies, systems and processes that the HEIs implemented in support of knowledge management and knowledge sharing. Results: A total of 91 human resource practitioners responded to the survey, the majority of whom were male (56%). Respondents from the different countries have similar perceptions regarding the issues that encourage knowledge generation and knowledge sharing (p = 0.209), and how characteristics of their institutions compare with those applicable to learning organisations (p = 0.422). Respondents disagreed to differing extents across countries that organisational or departmental structures, political interference, communication channels between employees and command and control procedures retarded knowledge generation and sharing (p = 0.001). Respondents from the different countries have differing perceptions regarding the speed at which knowledge is transferred (p = 0.000), the reliability of the knowledge that is transferred as well as the extent to which decisions can be made in using the available knowledge (p = 0.000), the ease with which knowledge is transferred in their context (p = 0.016), the transfer of tacit knowledge in their organisations (p = 0.000), whether individual employees use personal knowledge as a source of power (p = 0.025) and the role of the information and communications technology (ICT), infrastructure in knowledge creation and sharing (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The results provide convincing arguments to support the integration of HRM and knowledge management initiatives in HEIs. Whilst the HRM function at HEIs has demonstrated that it has the capability and resources to implement knowledge management initiatives, the results reflect that much ground needs to be covered to realise the full benefits of this endeavour. The study confirms that an effective knowledge management strategy for HRM that is aligned to the organisation’s strategic objectives is imperative for HEIs in South Africa.

Understanding knowledge management phenomena in virtual communities from a goal-directed approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the formation of knowledge management (KM) decisions, including intention for knowledge contribution and knowledge exploration. The authors build on the goal-directed model and a trust-based lens to develop a belief-trust-decision framework. The authors theorize belief as individual factors (one’s virtual skill) and environmental factors (cooperative norms, familiarity), and trust as emotional trust and cognitive trust. Individual factors represent one’s virtual skill to control knowledge exchange, while environmental factors reflect the level of support/control for this exchange by the context.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a survey method to collect data and partial least squares to analyze them.FindingsThe authors found that KM decision is affected by two types of trust, directly or indirectly. They are, in turn, influenced by individual factors and environmental factors.Research limitations/implicationsGeneralizability of the findings to virtual communities with different collaboration protocol deserves further investigation. This study contributes to the research on KM and social behavior by providing a comprehensive explanation on KM decision through one’s goal achievement in knowledge exchange behavior, in terms of trust development. Besides, the authors theorize one’s belief on knowledge exchange as skill-control and context-control to represent the drivers for trust.Practical implicationsThe results provide suggestion for managers regarding how skill-control and context-control should be managed to improve trust development, which serves as goal achievement for KM decisions.Originality/valueThe authors extend prior work by yielding a new insight into how and why one’s beliefs on skill-control and context-control for knowledge exchange are transferred into KM decision through one’s goal achievement, characterized as trust development at both emotional and cognitive levels.

Knowledge Management and Integrated Water Resource Management—Types of Knowledge and Key Considerations

AbstractKnowledge sharing and transfer in the field of Integrated Water Resource Management, on a global scale, can be improved with an understanding of cultural considerations, technical opportunities, and constraints, and the theory underpinning knowledge management. This paper explores existing literature and applies a human centered design approach (customer journey mapping) to collect data. Fourteen semi‐structured interviews with practitioners across the Asia Pacific region provide a basis to understand knowledge management barriers, breakthroughs, and outcomes to support improved knowledge sharing and transfer among water management practitioners. Findings identify a set of areas of needed knowledge, demonstrate that virtual means of knowledge sharing and connection are best supplemented with face‐to‐face interaction, and argue for a facilitated approach to best achieve success. The research conducted in this study serves to support the development of a global community of practice for water management practitioners to better support integrated water management outcomes.