Showing papers in "Journal of Knowledge Management in 2008"

The use of tacit knowledge within innovative companies: knowledge management in innovative enterprises

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of tacit knowledge within innovative organizations. It addresses what organizations can do to promote knowledge sharing in order to improve successful innovation. Compared to available research material on explicit knowledge, the use of tacit knowledge within companies is relatively unexplored. The use of tacit knowledge is assessed with special emphasis on its significance and implications in the innovation process.Design/methodology/approach – Existing research is structured with the objective of examining how companies make use of tacit knowledge. Key levers for tacit knowledge management are identified and the positive impact of tacit knowledge on innovation success disclosed.Findings – The role of tacit knowledge in innovation management is analysed. Creation, availability and transfer of tacit knowledge within an organization are highlighted. Competitive advantage will be gained when companies value their tacit knowledge because explicit know...

Role of leadership in knowledge management: a study

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship as well as the impact of leadership styles on knowledge management practices in a software firm in India. Design/methodology/approach – The research involved collection of quantitative data on leadership styles and knowledge management practices by using two psychometric instruments, namely organizational leadership questionnaire and knowledge management assessment tool. The survey consisted of 331 knowledge workers working for a software firm in India who had a minimum of one year of working experience in the organization. The data which were collected underwent statistical treatment to obtain the results for the stated objectives of the study. Findings – The research findings indicate directive as well as supportive styles of leadership to be significantly and negatively associated with the art of knowledge management practices. It also depicts that consulting and delegating styles of leadership are positively and significantly related with managing knowledge in a software organization. Finally, only the delegating mode of leadership behaviors was found to be significantl in predicting creation as well as management of knowledge for competitive advantage in software firms in India. Research limitations/implications – There are a few limitations which may affect the scope of the study. First, the study was conducted in only one software firm situated in the national capital territory of India. Hence, blanket generalization of the findings of the study to each and every software firm in India should be done with caution. Second, it was leadership styles alone more than any other variable which was taken to study its impact on knowledge management processes and practices. Therefore, it is suggested that future research, if any, in the area of knowledge management should take note of these two important limitations for the benefits of the industry as a whole. Practical implications – The research investigation offers several recommendations/suggestions for helping knowledge workers as well as top management to design and implement knowledge management architecture for organizational excellence. Originality/value – The paper offers unique empirical directions to manage knowledge in a software company in India. As there is a dearth of empirical research in the area of knowledge management in India, the empirical evidence obtained in this paper will be of use to organizations wanting to become knowledge management companies.

Interfirm networks, social capital, and knowledge flow

Abstract: Purpose – Researchers have long been interested in the process of how networking firms share knowledge, what mechanisms firms use to govern knowledge sharing, and what the consequences are for the sharing firms. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer these questions from a social network perspective.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative method is employed to facilitate deeper understanding of soft variables and key relationships for discovering and mapping non‐formal business practices. The sampling strategy is based on relevance rather than representativeness; data analysis and theoretical analysis stresses an iterative process of theoretical sampling, comparing, and contrasting of samples to build theoretical categories.Findings – The principal findings highlight how social capital, especially trust‐based‐ties, develops in inter‐firm interaction process, accelerates knowledge flow, and acts as an informal governance mechanism between firms. Weak ties help firms to build initial relationsh...

Factors influencing organizational knowledge transfer: implication for corporate performance

Abstract: Purpose – Whilst knowledge transfer is a major strategy for managing contemporary organizations the impact of the key factors influencing the rate of organization knowledge transfer is relatively unknown. As a contribution to this identified gap this paper aims to discuss the influence of particular organizational factors (IT systems, structured learning strategies, innovative organizational culture, and flexible structure and design) on knowledge transfer using a conceptual framework derived from the literature. The effect of both explicit and tacit knowledge transfer on innovative capabilities and organizational performance is to be examined.Design/methodology/approach – The survey study, conducted amongst 1,086 high‐tech companies, targeted chief executive officers), CFOs (chief financial officers), COOs (chief operation officers) or top managers/administrators as they provided more reliable environmental and organizational information.Findings – The study findings, based on a sample response rate of 1...

Knowledge, management, and knowledge management in business operations

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to help knowledge managers systematically grasp ‘‘knowledge about management knowledge’’ and get a ‘‘deep and full’’ understanding of the nature, scope and methodologies of knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach – Through presenting a variety of perspectives on knowledge, management, and knowledge management, the article explores the essence of knowledge management in organizations from a perspective of critical systems thinking. Findings – Knowledge management in business organizations has the task of managing the activities of knowledge workers or the transformation and interaction of organizational ‘‘static substance knowledge’’ and ‘‘dynamic process knowledge’’ for ‘‘products, services, and practical process innovation’’ and, at the same time, ‘‘creating new or justifying existing organizational systematic knowledge’’. Knowledge management is not simply about recording and manipulating explicit knowledge, but needs to address that which is implicit, and from which benefit can therefore be derived only through process rather than content. Originality/value – The comprehensive review and classification of various management theories will expand both knowledge managers’ and knowledge workers’ understanding of the subject and provide a foundation for building a knowledge management toolkit in practice.

Rising knowledge cities: the role of urban knowledge precincts

Abstract: – The paper seeks to investigate the changing and challenging spatial nature of the rising knowledge cities' knowledge precincts., – The paper reviews the literature on recent knowledge precinct developments within the frame of innovation and urban economic competitiveness. The methodology develops a typological investigation and searches for useful insights for better understanding the fundamentals of knowledge precincts. The study exemplifies cases from Australia as well as other global best practices., – The paper sheds light on the contemporary knowledge production of rising knowledge cities, and points out the changing spatial agglomeration of knowledge‐intensive industries and the formation of new types of knowledge precincts as the spatial core of knowledge‐based urban development., – The paper provides an in‐depth discussion on the changing spatial concepts of knowledge precincts and their vital role for the knowledge‐based urban development of cities.

The effect of tacit knowledge on firm performance

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of the tacit knowledge index (TKI) to assess the level of tacit knowledge within firms and its effect on firm performance., – A sample of 108 US and Canadian firms that are using knowledge management was surveyed to determine each firm's TKI. This measure includes both the degree of usage and the tacitness of the knowledge management method. Regression and correlation were used to statistically analyze the innovation and financial outcomes., – Significant relationships were found between a firm's level of TKI and the firm's innovation performance. Less clear is the relationship between a higher TKI and financial measures., – This research gives managers a way to structure their use of knowledge management methodology and use of resources in a way that may maximize performance, either as stand alone systems or as part of the Balanced Scorecard., – The use of this research could greatly reduce the uncomfortable gut feeling that many managers have in funding so‐called soft tacit‐based knowledge management systems rather than invest in easier to assess hardware systems., – This pioneering research develops tacit knowledge as a measurable quantity and links this metric to firm performance.

The linkage between knowledge accumulation capability and organizational innovation

Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of knowledge accumulation capability on organizational innovation. This study also attempts to find if interaction between external environment or organizational culture and knowledge accumulation ability will influence organizational innovation.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was employed. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were mailed out and received 129 valid replies.Findings – The research results indicate that the capability to obtain knowledge can positively and significantly affect knowledge administrative and technical innovation. Knowledge expansion capability can positively and significantly affect administrative innovation. In addition, external environment and organizational culture have significant interaction effects with knowledge accumulation capability on organizational innovation.Research limitations/implications – This research discussed only some organizational layers like knowledge accumulatio...

Defining knowledge management (KM) activities: towards consensus

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present a vocabulary of terms that clearly define knowledge management (KM) activities in order to move towards consensus in the adoption of a common language within the field.Design/methodology/approach – Existing literature across several disciplines has been integrated to provide a clear description of the sorts of activities an individual undertakes in order to move from knowledge acquisition to innovation, and a clarification of the terms used to describe such activities is put forth.Findings – Adoption of a common vocabulary to describe KM activities provides a platform to better understand how best to manage these activities, and enables clearer identification of the knowledge management capabilities held by various sectors within the broader business community.Research limitations/implications – There is a need to undertake empirical research and in‐depth case studies of knowledge management practices using a common vocabulary as a framework with which to i...

Competencies and human resource management: implications for organizational competitive advantage

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to analyze in depth the organizational requirements for the exploitation of human resource management towards increased organizational performance, and to provide a conceptual framework for the analysis of human resource management in learning organizations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of an extensive literature review on human resource management (HRM), organizational learning and human capital.Findings – The major contribution is the Requirements Framework for the Adoption of Technology Enhanced Learning and Semantic Web Technologies, which can guide strategies of effective competencies management in modern organizations. This framework initiates an interesting discussion of technological issues that go beyond the scope of this paper.Research limitations/implications – The Requirements Framework provides the basis for an extensive specification of knowledge management strategies. A follow‐up publication will present the practical implications of the “t...

Knowledge transfer in alliances: determinant factors

Abstract: Purpose – Resource‐and knowledge‐based authors claim that firms should focus on the creation and accumulation of knowledge‐based competencies in order to yield long‐term survival. Several authors have emphasized the added value of alliance relationships in the knowledge development and learning processes of organizations. Over the past decades, thanks to the opportunities provided by the inter‐firm co‐operations for knowledge transfer, knowledge access and learning, strategic alliances have become one of the most useful organizational forms for developing new knowledge for firms. The purpose of this paper is to identify and classify factors affecting knowledge transfer in strategic alliances.Design/methodology/approach – First, knowledge‐related issues in strategic alliance literature are reviewed. Second, the importance of recognizing factors affecting knowledge transfer through strategic alliances is considered. Finally, the paper suggests a classification of factors in a bibliographical manner, which s...

Perceptions of knowledge management and intellectual capital in the banking industry

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to capture the perceptions of knowledge management and intellectual capital in the banking industry. The reason for developing such a study is that little research has clearly addressed both subjects at the same time. After verifying that knowledge management and intellectual capital are identified as different concepts in the banking industry, the final aim of the paper is to identify the relevancy and perceived value of such organizational variables in the banks.Design/methodology/approach – This research paper follows a qualitative approach and considers two different knowledge management strategies: exploitation and exploration and three different intellectual capital components: human capital, internal structures and external structures. The paper develops and analyses several interviews in the banking industry at top management level across different banks.Findings – This study led to some interesting findings, allowing verification of most of the theoretical k...

The knowledge system of a firm: social capital for explicit, tacit and potential knowledge

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to bring clarity to the concept of social capital in the value creation in firms from the knowledge management perspective. To discuss the social characteristics of different types of knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature, it is argued that different types of knowledge have the distinctive logic of value creation and social capital. Social capital is seen as a network of individuals with shared norms, beliefs and trust.Findings – The social network structure for explicit knowledge is centralized and maintained by clearly defined rules, beliefs in high quality and trust in organizational hierarchy. The social network structure for tacit knowledge is distributed and maintained by the norms of reciprocity, beliefs in lifelong learning and an incremental trust. Finally, the social network structure for emergent, potential knowledge is decentralized and maintained by liberal norms, beliefs in innovativeness and an enabling type of tru...

Improved organizational performance through communities of practice

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to empirically investigate the relationship between communities of practice and performance.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews, surveys, and company records from a case study of several communities of practice within a multi‐billion dollar construction project are investigated. Using the concept of learning curves, the authors look at the relationship between four communities of practice and their performance as well as taking an in‐depth look at the communication patterns within each community of practice.Findings – Three communities of practice that operated under stable conditions were found to exhibit improved performance. However, the one community of practice that experienced changes in its communication channels due to a physical move was never able to regain its previous ability to continuously improve, indicating a strong relationship between communication channels and performance.Research limitations/implications – The research presented here focuse...

Knowledge transfer in developed‐developing country interfirm collaborations: a conceptual framework

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore the theoretical underpinnings of knowledge transfer within developed‐developing country based interfirm collaborations and to develop a theoretical model on knowledge transfer in interfirm collaborations.Design/ methodology/approach – The vast literature on knowledge transfer in interfirm collaborations has been reviewed. A synthesis of this prior research has resulted in a theoretical model on knowledge transfer, especially between developed‐developing country based firms.Findings – The reviews have resulted in the conceptual framework proposed here. The model distinguishes the sources of knowledge to be transferred and the antecedents to the knowledge transfer from the transfer process. Tentative propositions are also developed that could be explored during empirical investigations.Originality/value – The framework presented provides a deeper understanding of the characteristics of transferors and transferees as well as their interaction and how these influen...

Online communities as communities of practice: a case study

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate to which extent the concept of communities of practice (CoPs) can be applied to online communities and to explore how organizations can better utilize online social structures for their knowledge management practice.Design/methodology/approach – A case study was used to examine an online community with the practice‐and‐identity framework that characterizes conventional CoPs. Qualitative data analysis was conducted primarily on 7,853 messages downloaded from the online community during a six week period.Findings – The results showed how an online community could manifest the practice and identity characteristics of conventional CoPs as community members actively engaged in their shared practice and identity development while pursuing a joint enterprise. Research limitations/implications – The study was conducted in a single Chinese online community on traveling, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.Practical implications – This study sug...

Ensuring the effectiveness of a knowledge management initiative

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify a set of critical success factors, which ensure the effectiveness of knowledge management initiatives, with particular focus on the effect of people‐oriented success factors.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive review of knowledge management literature, substantiated by ten qualitative interviews with leading academics and industrial representatives in the field of knowledge management in the construction industry.Findings – The research suggests that organisations need to consider several key areas, in particular, the processes and practices undertaken to understand and define knowledge management, the implementation of dedicated champions, the integration of the initiative into the business, and effective communication of its benefits to members of staff. Each of these factors will have a direct bearing on the level of effectiveness reached by an organisation's knowledge management initiative.Research limitations/implications – The industry‐bas...

Organizational characteristics as prescriptive factors of knowledge management initiatives

Abstract: Purpose – The use of knowledge in organizations is largely a discretionary behavior that can be encouraged but not demanded. As such, the firm can only attempt to provide the right conditions for employees to endorse the role of knowledge workers. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the organization of the firm affects knowledge management.Design/methodology/approach – This research proposes a new framework showing the prescriptive role of organizational characteristics onto knowledge management (KM) initiatives. Based on this framework, data were generated from nine semi‐structured interviews conducted in the American, British and Japanese offices of a major Japanese pharmaceutical company, using a Boolean approach and qualitative content analysis.Findings – Organizational characteristics, specifically – structure, membership, relationship, and strategy affect KM, namely – knowledge acquisition, storage, diffusion, and application respectively.Research limitations/implications – Even though the d...

Knowledge‐based capital in building regional innovation capacity

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role and the relevance of knowledge‐based capital as a strategic resource and a source of regional innovation capacity. The paper identifies human, relational, structural and social capital as the four main knowledge‐based categories building the knowledge‐based capital of a region. The role of each knowledge‐based category in determining regional innovation capacity is analyzed. Specifically, the authors discuss the relationships among the knowledge‐based categories and a regional innovation capacity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an in‐depth literature review of the knowledge management and regional innovation research stream. The fundamental underlying research questions that have driven the research are: “What are the knowledge‐based capital categories affecting a region's innovation capacity?” and “How do knowledge‐based categories influence regional innovation capacity?”. The paper is conceptual in its nature and aims to ...

Barrier impact on organizational learning within complex organizations

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine the manner in which employees access, create and share information and knowledge within a complex supply chain with a view to better understanding how to identify and manage barriers which may inhibit such exchanges.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review combined with an in‐depth case study analysis identified a range of potential transfer barriers. These in turn were examined in terms of their consistency of impact by an end‐to‐end process survey conducted within an IBM facility.Findings – Barrier impact cannot be assumed to be uniform across the core processes of the organization. Process performance will be impacted upon in different ways and subject to varying degrees of influence by the transfer barriers. Barrier identification and management must take place at a process rather than at the organizational level.Research limitations/implications – The findings are based, in the main, on an extensive single company study. Althoug...

A holistic view of knowledge management strategy

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to seek to address the way in which knowledge is being transmitted among the members of a large corporation and suggests a realistic strategy that promises to be most appropriate for effective knowledge transfer in the new knowledge economy.Design/methodology/approach – The research involves an in‐depth case study of knowledge transfer strategies used in a UK‐based group within a high‐tech global corporation. which was purposively selected for data collection. A semi‐structured instrument was developed based on the review of the knowledge management literature. The data analysis procedure within the case study employed in this research was based on the approach proposed by Miles and Huberman.Findings – Drawing on an empirical work in a large high‐tech corporation, this paper suggests a hybrid strategy which recognises the interplay between the soft and hard mechanisms, and falls somewhere between the rather divergent mechanisms.Research limitations/implications – ...

An evolutionary and interpretive perspective to knowledge management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide a review of knowledge management (KM) literature by adapting and extending McElroy’s KM generations model. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws from a range of KM research published in the academic and trade literature. An interpretive stance is adopted to provide a holistic understanding and interpretation of organizational KM research and related knowledge management systems (KMS) and models. Findings – To be effective organizations need not only to negotiate their migration from a knowledge sharing (first generation) to a knowledge creation (second generation) culture, but also to create sustained organizational and societal values. The latter form the third generation KM and represent key challenges faced by modern organizations. A true value creation culture is nurtured through a blended approach that factors a number of perspectives to KM, including human networks, social capital, intellectual capital, technology assets, and change processes. Research limitations/implications – The interpretive approach adopted throughout the review is limited to, and focused on, understanding the implementation and organizational implications of KM initiatives and technology. Originality/value – While value creation focuses on the organizational and societal impact of knowledge management, the paper describes how human networks, social capital, intellectual capital, technology assets, and change processes emerge as essential conditions to enable knowledge value creation.

Reconstituting knowledge management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to improve traditional knowledge management models in light of complexity theory, emphasizing the importance of moving away from hierarchical relationships among data, information, knowledge, and wisdom.Design/methodology/approach – Traditional definitions and models are critically reviewed and their weaknesses highlighted. A transformational perspective of the traditional hierarchies is proposed to highlight the need to develop better perspectives. The paper demonstrates the holistic nature of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, and how they are all based on an interpretation of existence.Findings – Existing models are logically extended, by adopting a complexity‐based perspective, to propose a new model – the E2E model – which highlights the non‐linear relationships among existence, data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment, as well as the nature of understanding as the process that defines the differences among these constructs. The meaning of m...

Knowledge management systems success: a contingency perspective

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims at clarifying important contingencies for the success of knowledge management systems (KMS). More specifically, a model is developed based on the IS success model, the resource‐based view and the knowledge‐based view to explain both direct and indirect effects of KMS on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approach – To test the proposed model, a survey study was conducted involving over 100 organizations that implemented various functions of KMS. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling for the simultaneous testing of the measurement and structural models.Findings – The empirical results provided strong support for the proposed research model. KMS usage was found to have both direct and indirect effects on organizational performance. In particular, organizational agility and innovativeness were confirmed as important mediators of KMS effects.Research limitations/implications – The findings of this research highlight the necessity of adopting a continge...

Knowledge creation in small‐firm network

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to aim to understand how the dynamic of knowledge creation takes place within a small‐firm network (SFN).Design/methodology/approach – The research, qualitative in nature, was developed through the case study of the Clothing Industries Association, called AGIVEST, formed by 35 small clothing industries located in southern Brazil. This article attempts to offer a more comprehensive approach towards the creation of organizational knowledge, by shifting from an endogenous process of the individual firm to a multidirectional exogenous process within networks.Findings – The research presents evidence that the context of a cooperation network may provide an environment of collective learning, represented above all by the interaction dynamic that occurs between the firms through the creation of several types of ba (specific context in terms of time, space and relationship), which support the process of knowledge creation.Originality/value – This approach should consider ...

Organizational Culture for Knowledge Management Systems: A Study of Corporate Users

Abstract: Knowledge is increasingly being viewed as a critical component for organizations. It is largely people-based and the characteristics of groups of individuals, in the form of organizational cultures, may play a key role in the factors that lead to either the acceptance or rejection of knowledge management systems (KMS). The primary objective of this research is to explore how dimensions of organizational culture influence factors that lead to the acceptance of KMS. While researchers have agreed that culture plays an important role in KMS, the literature has only recently begun to examine organizational culture within this context. We examined the effects of three dimensions of organizational culture through a research model that was tested and analyzed utilizing a field survey of corporate knowledge management users. Our results indicated that both process-oriented and open communication system organizational cultures significantly influenced the factors that led to the acceptance of KMS.

Strategic integration of knowledge management and customer relationship management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of strategic integration of knowledge management (KM ) and customer relationship management (CRM). The integration is a strategic issue that has strong ramifications in the long‐term competitiveness of organizations. It is not limited to CRM; the concept can also be applied to supply chain management (SCM), product development management (PDM), eterprise resource planning (ERP) and retail network management (RNM) that offer different perspectives into knowledge management adoption.Design/methodology/approach – Through literature review and establishing new perspectives with examples, the components of knowledge management, customer relationship management, and strategic planning are amalgamated.Findings – Findings include crucial details in the various components of knowledge management, customer relationship management, and strategic planning, i.e. strategic planning process, value formula, intellectual capital measure, different levels of C...

Competencies management and learning organizational memory

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the MEMORAe project, the goal of which is to offer an alternative to the loss of competencies and knowledge in an organization.Design/methodology/approach – Within the project MEMORAe, interest was focused on the capitalization of knowledge and competencies in the context of an organization. The E‐MEMORAe environment was developed based on the concept of learning organizational memory. This environment is dedicated to be used by a semantic learning organization as support for competency‐based training. It is evaluated in this context.Findings – In the E‐MEMORAe environment, learning content is indexed by knowledge and competencies organized by means of ontologies. Learners can acquire thise knowledge and these competencies by doing different tasks, accessing different contents. In the memory, competencies are defined via the knowledge they enable to be put into practice.Practical implications – It is known that some industrial communities of practice are i...

Modeling competencies for supporting work‐integrated learning in knowledge work

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest a way to support work‐integrated learning for knowledge work, which poses a great challenge for current research and practice.Design/methodology/approach – The authors first suggest a workplace learning context model, which has been derived by analyzing knowledge work and the knowledge sources used by knowledge workers. The authors then focus on the part of the context that specifies competencies by applying the competence performance approach, a formal framework developed in cognitive psychology. From the formal framework, a methodology is then derived of how to model competence and performance in the workplace. The methodology is tested in a case study for the learning domain of requirements engineering.Findings – The Workplace Learning Context Model specifies an integrative view on knowledge workers' work environment by connecting learning, work and knowledge spaces. The competence performance approach suggests that human competencies be formalized with...

What is Knowledge Sharing from the Informer's Perspective?

Abstract: Knowledge sharing is a popular research topic; however, the construct has not been well defined theoretically or in terms of how to operationalize it, as there appears to be little consistency. This apparent lack of consistency is problematic for developing a cumulative understanding of the predictors and outcomes of this behavior. In this study, we examine how other researchers have operationalized knowledge sharing, and conduct a qualitative study to further understand this construct. A knowledge sharing and hoarding classification system is developed, and six knowledge sharing behavioral categories are identified. Finally, recommendations are made for future research in knowledge management.