Showing papers in "Journal of Knowledge Management in 2009"

Knowledge management and organizational performance: an exploratory analysis

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an exploratory investigation of the organizational impact of knowledge management (KM)., – A search of the literature revealed 12 KM practices whose performance impact was assessed via a survey of business organizations., – KM practices were found to be directly related to organizational performance which, in turn, was directly related to financial performance. There was no direct relationship found between KM practices and financial performance. A different set of KM practices was associated with each value discipline (i.e. customer intimacy, product development and operational excellence). A gap exists between the KM practices that firms believe to be important and those that were directly related to organizational performance., – The majority of the research constructs were formative, thus improving the measurement of KM practices will prove vital for validating and extending these findings. The findings were based solely on organizations from North America and Australia and may not reflect KM practices in other geographic, economic or cultural settings., – This study encourages practitioners to focus their KM initiatives on specific intermediate performance outcomes., – The paper examines the relationship between KM practices and performance outcomes. It was expected that a direct relationship between KM practices and organizational performance would be observed. It was also expected that organizational performance would mediate the relationship between KM practices and financial performance. These expectations were supported. KM practices showed a direct relationship with intermediate measures of organizational performance, and organizational performance showed a significant and direct relationship to financial performance. There was no significant relationship found between KM practices and financial performance.

Harmonisation of knowledge management – comparing 160 KM frameworks around the globe

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at how knowledge management (KM) has entered into a new phase where consolidation and harmonisation of concepts is required Some first standards have been published in Europe and Australia in order to foster a common understanding of terms and concepts The aim of this study was to analyse KM frameworks from research and practice regarding their model elements and try to discover differences and correspondencesDesign/methodology/approach – A total of 160 KM frameworks from science, practice, associations and standardization bodies have been collected worldwide These frameworks have been analysed regarding the use and understanding of the term knowledge, the terms used to describe the knowledge process activities and the factors influencing the success of knowledge management Quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods have been appliedFindings – The result shows that despite the wide range of terms used in the KM frameworks an underlying consen

WEB 2.0 implications on knowledge management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the WEB 2.0 phenomenon and its implications on knowledge management; thus, in order to learn whether using WEB 2.0 concepts and tools can yield better assimilation of knowledge management in organizations.

Determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key determinants of knowledge sharing and collaboration using Web 2.0 technologies by exploring the reasons for and barriers to employees' active participation in its various platforms within a large multinational firm.Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on a case study design. In total, 11 in‐depth interviews were conducted. In addition, secondary data was collected. The data was analysed using a grounded approach.Findings – The authors reveal four key determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies: history, outcome expectations, perceived organizational or management support and trust.Research limitations/implications – The limitations are related to the small sample size and the assumptions on which the study was based. First, Web 2.0 technologies were perceived as a single set of technologies whose adoption and use is determined by the same range of factors. Secondly, the study assumes that knowledge sharing using We...

Knowledge communication and translation – a knowledge transfer model

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a process model for knowledge transfer in using theories relating knowledge communication and knowledge translation.Design/methodology/approach – Most of what is put forward in this paper is based on a research project titled “Procurement for innovation and knowledge transfer (ProFIK)”. The project is funded by a UK government research council – The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The discussions are mainly grounded on a thorough review of literature accomplished as part of the research project.Findings – The process model developed in this paper has built upon the theory of knowledge transfer and the theory of communication. Knowledge transfer, per se, is not a mere transfer of knowledge. It involves different stages of knowledge transformation. Depending on the context of knowledge transfer, it can also be influenced by many factors; some positive and some negative. The developed model of knowledge transfer attempts to encapsu...

Global ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic journals

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to develop a global ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic journals., – An online questionnaire was completed by 233 active knowledge management and intellectual capital researchers from 41 countries. Two different approaches: journal rank‐order and journal scoring method were utilized and produced similar results., – It was found that the top five academic journals in the field are: Journal of Knowledge Management, Journal of Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management Research and Practice, International Journal of Knowledge Management, and The Learning Organization. It was also concluded that the major factors affecting perceptions of quality of academic journals are editor and review board reputation, inclusion in citation indexes, opinion of leading researchers, appearance in ranking lists, and citation impact., – This study was the first of its kind to develop a ranking system for academic journals in the field. Such a list will be very useful for academic recruitment, as well as tenure and promotion decisions., – The findings from this study may be utilized by various practitioners including knowledge management professionals, university administrators, review committees and corporate librarians., – This paper represents the first documented attempt to develop a ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic journals through a survey of field contributors.

Wikis as a knowledge management tool

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide organizations which are keen to implement wikis with insight into its usefulness and possible role in the knowledge sharing and management process through lessons learnt from implementation of wikis by organizations ranging from SMEs with less than ten users to those with a vast network of 193 million members. These organizations are from the non‐technology as well as technology‐based sectors.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a general review. It provides a background into the advent of wikis and briefly discusses related work on use of Wikis in corporate, public and educational context. This is followed by review of three case studies carried out on implementation of wikis and an analysis of the review.Findings – The review proposes a framework for the wiki adoption process which may be used as a guide for in future adoption by organizations. It also found that some benefits which move these organizations towards the usage of wikis...

Research on knowledge transfer in organizations: a morphology

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present and describe a morphology of the research literature on knowledge transfer in organizations.Design/methodology/approach – This morphology, which is a comprehensive framework characterizing the knowledge transfer literature in terms of dimensions and options, was developed by an extensive scanning of the pertinent literature.Findings – Eight dimensions were found suitable to characterize the knowledge transfer research literature. Corresponding to each dimension, two to six options were found.Research limitations/implications – The morphology demonstrates the extensiveness and variety of knowledge transfer research. To academics, the morphology can serve as a map of the knowledge transfer territory. Using the morphology, researchers can easily assess how an existing study fits in with the entire body of knowledge transfer research. Secondly, they can discern areas that have received less attention in comparison to others and thus identify gaps they may wish...

Overcoming cultural barriers for innovation and knowledge sharing

Abstract: – This paper aims to identify the cultural barriers that set back knowledge production and sharing in organizations of the Municipality of Caguas at the Commonwealth of the Puerto Rico in order to find effective ways to overcome them. The purpose is to explore how the enterprise promotes efficiency among employees and how they develop a suitable environment for knowledge production and sharing., – The qualitative research consists of in‐depth interviews, carried out to management personnel, and questionnaires submitted to the employees. Two hypotheses are developed and tested using the results obtained from four organizations, public and private., – The interview responses show that at the managerial level both private and public agencies have overcome the identified barriers that set back the knowledge sharing, while from the questionnaires it is found at the employee level that several cultural barriers such as organizational environment, emotional intelligence and managers' commitment are still present., – Although limited by the small sample of critical actors, this study includes international and regional organizations that serve the Municipality of Caguas. The results may set a basis to develop a methodology to analyze the presence or absence of cultural barriers in other organizations, and municipalities of Puerto Rico., – This investigation may be used to develop standard procedures to cope with culture differences when establishing a suitable environment for knowledge production and sharing among employees.

Web 2.0 and the empowerment of the knowledge worker

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential of Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge management and to explore how corporate governance models influence the adoption of Web 2.0 for organisational learning and knowledge exchange.Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a literature review to understand the phenomenon of Web 2.0. It introduces the opposing governance models of hierarchical pyramids and flat pancakes to assess barriers and leverage factors for the implementation of Web 2.0 technologies as a knowledge management system which is based on collaboration and the flow of information in networks; this discourse includes concepts for the nature of knowledge and decision‐making processes. Finally, the potential of Web 2.0 to drive empowerment of knowledge workers is discussed.Findings – The potential of Web 2.0 technologies to act as a lever for organisational learning and knowledge exchange depends on the degree of openness, freedom, and employee empowerment in corporate ...

Knowledge management in project environments

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is show how the management of knowledge in temporary organizations is an increasingly important factor in many industries. This paper aims to examine knowledge management in and between projects.Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of 27 structured interviews with project managers and knowledge management experts in different corporations mainly located in Germany and German speaking countries, the prevalence, the organization and the success factors of project knowledge management are analyzed.Findings – As a result, most interviewees stated an urgent need for a significant improvement of project knowledge management although only in few companies a systematic approach exists. The success of project knowledge management is mainly determined by cultural factors whereas technical aspects like information systems and project management methods are considered to serve as supporting factors only.Research limitations/implications – Future research should include large‐...

Innovation in management consulting firms through informal knowledge sharing

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to describe the main obstacles for innovation in Dutch consultancy firms by focusing on the strength of informal knowledge sharing as an avenue for innovation., – This paper is the result of an empirical study based on in‐depth interviews with 29 consultants in the Netherlands., – The process of innovation can be problematic in consultancy firms. Consultants do simply not find the time to innovate, since they are mainly rewarded for client related work (billable hours). In order to innovate consultants need to share knowledge with clients, colleague consultants and their experienced superiors. The knowledge sharing routes the consultant can use, as described in this paper, are: codified, formal knowledge and informal knowledge sharing. This paper claims that the most fruitful route to innovation is informal knowledge sharing., – The importance of informal knowledge is supported by Hofstede's description of the Dutch business culture as being feminine, cultivating low power distance (low degree of inequality) and being highly individualistic. However, despite the support of the Dutch cultural setting, which supports informal knowledge sharing, this research describes the lack of management support in the innovation process as one of the main barriers to innovation.

Antecedents of knowledge sharing in communities of practice

Abstract: Purpose – Communities of practice (CoPs) have gained a great deal of attention from practitioners and scholars alike. However, critical antecedents of knowledge sharing in CoPs have not been fully researched yet. Particularly, empirical results are still scarce. The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of community members' motivation to participate in CoPs, the importance of the community leader and the influence of management support.Design/methodology/approach – In order to test the proposed hypotheses data from 222 CoP members from different communities of a multinational company gathered in a large sample quantitative survey, using partial least square structural equations modelling.Findings – The research results show that a leading facilitator and an appropriate managerial support influence interaction processes in CoPs positively.Research limitations/implications – The impact of motivational and managerial factors on knowledge sharing processes in CoPs is conceptualized and tested. With regard...

The influence of employee motivation on knowledge transfer

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as determinants of the employees' knowledge transfer in the context of a Spanish non‐profit organization (named Asprona).Design/methodology/approach – A case study method was used to analyze a Spanish non‐profit organization (Asprona). In this context, a qualitative and quantitative analysis with a sample of 76 people was performed using the partial least squares approach (PLS), in order to test the research hypotheses.Findings – The research findings show that, in Asprona, knowledge transfer improves through intrinsic motivation, however extrinsic motivation is not significant on knowledge transfer. This result is interesting bearing in mind that people are involved with a non‐profit organization due to intrinsic reasons rather than for financial rewards.Research limitations/implications – This research is focused on one organization – Asprona's assistance area – and recommendations to other non‐profit orga...

A follow‐up ranking of academic journals

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic journals.Design/methodology/approach – A revealed preference, also referred to as citation impact, method was utilized. Citation data were obtained from Google Scholar by using Harzing's Publish or Perish tool. The h‐index and the g‐index were employed to develop a ranking list. The revealed preference method was compared to the stated preference approach, also referred to as an expert survey. A comprehensive journal ranking based on the combination of both approaches is presented.Findings – Manual re‐calculation of the indices reported by Publish or Perish had no impact on the ranking list. The revealed preference and stated preference methods correlated very strongly (0.8 on average). According to the final aggregate journal list that combined stated and revealed preference methods, Journal of Knowledge Management and Journal of Intellectual Capital are ranked A+, and The Learning Organi...

Knowledge work productivity in distributed teams

Abstract: Purpose – Knowledge work (KW) is a well-researched topic. However, KW is difficult to measure and little consensus has been reached on elements that affect knowledge work productivity on a team level. The current theories neglect teams working in distributed geographical areas. The purpose of the paper is to integrate recent literature on knowledge work productivity (KWP) in distributed teams and give an overview of the elements affecting it. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an overview of research performed in the field of knowledge work productivity. The authors integrate theories of different fields of management theory (knowledge management, intellectual capital and learning), and work and organizational psychology. This paper answers three questions: What is knowledge work? What is knowledge work productivity? Which elements hinder or enable knowledge work productivity in distributed teams of global technology companies? Findings – The authors define the crucial elements that either hinder or enable KWP: team tasks, team structure and processes, the physical, virtual and social workspaces as well as organizational context. The paper presents an integrative model of KWP in distributed teams of global technology companies. Practical implications – Distributed teams are common in global companies. By understanding the elements that affect KWP, companies can stimulate or decrease specific elements in order to improve productivity of their distributed knowledge workers. Originality/value – This paper integrates theories from different disciplines in order to create an understanding about knowledge work and its productivity for further research.

Cultural and social issues for knowledge sharing

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that knowledge sharing is primarily based on a trading process – the business transaction process. Motivators as well as morale hazards for knowledge sharing based on existence needs, biosocial needs and cognitive needs are described.Design/methodology/approach – An industry survey followed by interviews discovers arguments supporting the business transaction theory. Results of the interviews are clustered and categorized according to Alderfer's pyramid. Morale hazards hampering knowledge sharing are derived thereof.Findings – The comprehensive online survey, combined with personal interviews, supports the business transaction theory. According to this theory, knowledge sharing is based on a trading process. During this process, which can be regarded as information exchange process, people evaluate information on individual basis in an asymmetric way. Modern portfolio theory can help to understand the motivation behind this process. Motivators as well as mora...

The processes of knowledge management in professional services firms in the construction industry: a critical assessment of both theory and practice

Abstract: Purpose – Quantity surveying firms are characterized by their professional identity and knowledge‐driven nature; knowledge is crucial to their success in the competitive and dynamic business environment. As knowledge management is still in its infancy in the construction industry and structured knowledge management processes have not yet been adequately deployed in the surveying discipline, this research seeks to focus on the implicit knowledge management processes being undertaken in professional quantity surveying firms in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approach – A framework of knowledge processes was developed from a detailed literature review in an attempt to enhance the knowledge flow in Hong Kong professional quantity surveying firms. The applicability and validity of the framework were verified by quantitative research methods. Based on the proposed process model, a questionnaire survey was then conducted to study the opinions of professional quantity surveyors on the details of these processes; the...

Cultural characteristics of knowledge transfer

Abstract: – In most of the literature, knowledge management is treated as a universal practice, which is transferable from one country or company to another. There are some empirical hints that this is not always the case. The main research question, which this paper aims to answer, is: Which cultural characteristics in Germany and Hong Kong influence knowledge transfer?, – A qualitative and exploratory approach has been used to answer the research question. A series of 13 in‐depth interviews was conducted during April and May 2008 with experts from a range of various professional backgrounds in Hong Kong and Germany. Approaches of cultural characteristics are discussed and linked with the topic of knowledge transfer., – The findings show that knowledge transfer depends on national cultural characteristics which are power distance, performance orientation, in‐group collectivism, and uncertainty avoidance., – As the research was conducted in two countries only, the findings cannot be generalized. In addition the sample is limited to only 13 interviewees. Therefore, further and also quantitative research is necessary., – If companies introduce knowledge management systems in order to support worldwide knowledge transfer, national cultural characteristics have to be taken into account; it is not enough to provide only the technology., – Findings of cultural studies (e.g. GLOBE) and the approach of knowledge transfer are linked with each other. Moreover, empirical evidence is given for the cases Hong Kong and Germany.

Is the Malaysian telecommunication industry ready for knowledge management implementation

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the perceived importance and actual level of implementation of five preliminary success factors, four knowledge management (KM) strategies and three KM processes towards the performance of the Malaysian telecommunication industryDesign/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was conducted on telecommunication companies based on a convenience sampling technique Data were analyzed using paired t‐tests and multiple regression analysesFindings – The results show that Malaysian telecommunication organizations view all the KM preliminary success factors, strategies and process as important and critical but fall short of implementation K Audit, K Map, leadership, measurement, construction and embodiment are the variables that have the largest gap between perceived importance and actual implementation For perceived importance, culture is the only important variable associated with organizational performance whereas for actual implementation, both busines

Planning for knowledge‐based urban development: global perspectives

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to investigate the engineering of creative urban regions through knowledge‐based urban development. In recent years city administrators realised the importance of engineering and orchestrating knowledge city formation through visioning and planning for economic, socio‐cultural and physical development. For that purpose a new development paradigm of “knowledge‐based urban development” is formed, and quickly finds implementation ground in many parts of the globe.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature and examines global best practice experiences in order to determine how cities are engineering their creative urban regions so as to establish a base for knowledge city formation.Findings – The paper sheds light on the different development approaches for creative urban regions, and concludes with recommendations for urban administrations planning for knowledge‐based development of creative urban regions.Originality/value – The paper provides inva...

What is practical knowledge

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the key dimensions of practical knowledge. It is argued that practical knowledge and practice are two sides of the same phenomenon and possess objective and subjective dimensions.Design/methodology/approach – The development of this paper involved an in‐depth review of the workplace learning, cognitive education and practice‐based management literatures supported by Giddens and Habermas' insights on action.Findings – The proposed framework complements practice‐oriented management research. While there is a significant body of literature dealing with workplace action‐learning approaches, still it is not clear what approach to use in what situation. The proposed framework might assist in this task since it recognises different configurations of practice and their associated PK.Originality/value – This paper integrates parallel literatures from different theoretical backgrounds in order to explain the main dimensions of practical knowledge.

Generation and transfer of knowledge in IT‐related SMEs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the generation and transfer of knowledge in information technology‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs)Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of 105 employees from 30 organizations in Barcelona, Spain, the authors use a structural equation approach to validate the conceptual modelFindings – Personal motivation and the opportunity to learn from other employees are critical to generate knowledge The attitudes and abilities of those who take part in the transfer process are also relevant, and this is especially true in cases when knowledge is highly tacit Personal development is one example of knowledge‐based organizational and social developmentPractical implications – The results point to the importance of the roles of managers and employees as bearers of initiative, voluntary effort and commitment At the same time, they suggest that the firm's strategic planning process should include the knowledge to be transferredOriginality/value

Chinese cultural influences on knowledge management practice

Abstract: – The purpose of this study is to explore national cultural influences on knowledge management (KM) practices within Chinese manufacturing enterprises., – A qualitative case study in four steps was conducted within a Chinese mobile phone company (referred to as Lotus). Data collection was based on observations and in‐depth interviews., – It was discovered that employees in Chinese manufacturing enterprises like to keep their knowledge implicit and are willing to share it informally. A series of factors derived from Chinese culture such as hierarchy consciousness, fear of losing face, a sense of modesty, competitiveness and a preference for face‐to‐face communication, can act as barriers to KM initiatives within Chinese manufacturing organisations. Trust in intra‐personal relationships among employees can partly mitigate the impact of the above cultural characteristics. However, at a macro organisational level there is still need to share tacit knowledge using explicit/formal KM approaches., – Though knowledge mapping is recommended as a feasible means to promote formal knowledge sharing within Chinese organisations, evidence showing the efficacy of such a method are only grounded in related literature here. Therefore, practical experimental evidence should be collected in future research., – KM strategies proposed for an organisation based in China should take revealed cultural influences into account., – Few studies have explicitly concentrated on KM within Chinese organisations. The present study provides useful information for academics interested in cultural issues in KM and impartial advice for knowledge managers within Chinese enterprises.

External knowledge sources and proximity

Abstract: – Following the line traced by two previous works of Albino et al. and Messeni Petruzzelli, the paper aims to analyze how technology districts reach and acquire external competencies and capabilities by means of organizational and cognitive proximity. This allows districts to modify their geographical boundaries and evolve into technology clusters., – The research design is based on a case study methodology. In particular, two actual technology districts are analyzed, namely Castel Romano and Toulouse, in order to show how they use organizational, and cognitive proximity to acquire external knowledge sources and re‐shape their geographical boundaries., – Based on the findings of the empirical study, two main propositions are formulated. The first proposition refers to the negative relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of organizational proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources. By contrast, the second proposition indicates the positive relationship between the geographical distance to the district's actors and the use of cognitive proximity as a means for reaching external knowledge sources., – As regards the firm strategic behaviors, it seems particularly crucial to exploit all the three dimensions of proximity, in order to guarantee openness and sustain innovativeness and competitiveness. Concerning policy implications, the local governments should address their actions to help and promote the openness of technology districts and the formation of technology clusters. With this aim, actions should be devoted also to sustaining single local firms that are part of a technology cluster but not of a technology district. These, in fact, by increasing their competitive position, may generate positive externalities in the local area, fostering the diffusion and sharing of knowledge in the area and, then, acting as knowledge gatekeepers for the whole area., – The paper extends the findings of previous works linking three proximity dimensions in a holistic framework that explains the different use of organizational and cognitive proximity to acquire knowledge, according to the geographical distance between organizations.

The use of knowledge management by German innovators

Abstract: – The purpose of this paper is to uncover factors that influence a firm's decision to implement knowledge management practices. The focus is on knowledge management practices implemented to increase collaboration on innovation activities between actors within a firm., – Empirical analysis (probit estimations) of survey data on over 1,500 innovative German firms from the Mannheim Innovation Panel of 2003., – The paper finds that an innovation strategy targeted at consumers and continuous R&D activities are positively related to knowledge management usage by innovative German firms. In addition, more general characteristics like the size and the industry of a firm also influence the decision to use knowledge management., – Given data restrictions the paper only analyses the collaborative aspects of knowledge management in firms. Future research should also take into account knowledge transfer, creativity, storage efforts in firms and IT related aspects of knowledge management and investigate the determinants of and complementarities between all of these different techniques. The paper is limited in both the time period it analyses and regional scope. Further research is necessary to investigate whether the results also hold for other countries and other periods., – The analysis in this paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the determinants of firms' decisions to engage in knowledge management activities using a large‐scale survey of firms from a variety of different industries. The data used grant a unique insight into the innovation activities of firms and knowledge management approaches connected to these activities.

An insight into knowledge management practices at Bangkok University

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present how Bangkok University (BU) embarked on its knowledge management journey by examining how knowledge management processes could contribute to improve the educational environment by providing new styles of teaching and by increasing the relationships between faculty, students and staff.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the reasons why Bangkok University started its KM initiative. It presents the adopted KM approach, the tools developed as well at the KM action plan.Findings – The initial overall benefits emerging from the early stage of KM at Bangkok University are encouraging. The educational community has improved not only through the communication and cooperation between students and staff, but also through creating an environment that supports efficiently the cross‐organizational learning and knowledge‐sharing processes.Practical implications – The KM experience of Bangkok University could be used by other universities or educational institutions as on...

A systematic framework for analysing the critical success factors of communities of practice

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to briefly illustrate the test of an explanatory framework of the factors affecting the success of internal communities of practice (CoPs). Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on a qualitative case study of the formation and management of intentionally created CoPs inside a large division of a multinational oil company. Findings – The results of the study appear to confirm the utility of the framework as a tool for a sound and systematic investigation of the functioning of a CoP, and for understanding the reasons of its success or failure Research limitations/implications – Since it if the first attempt to test the framework, further empirical investigation is needed. In particular, it would be particularly useful to apply the scheme to cases of failure. Practical implications – The suggested framework can be of use for the design and management of intentionally created CoPs. In particular, it can provide insights into ‘‘good practices’’ or ‘‘mistakes to be avoided’’. Originality/value – The main contribution of the paper is the application of a comprehensive and coherent model, which can represent the initial step toward the definition of a ‘‘check-list’’ for the creation and management of CoPs.

Managing the knowledge paradox in product development

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to obtain from paradox a novel lens to elucidate the connections between knowledge management (KM) and product development as a knowledge intensive process. By focusing on the “social side” of KM, it is proposed that different KM orientations can emerge as a result of higher or lower emphasis on both cultural and structural enablers. These KM orientations generate specific potential to manage the tension and paradox of managing both knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation knowledge during product development.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence is provided by performing survey research with data collected from 80 product development projects developed in Spain.Findings – Results show that product development efforts can show three different KM orientations that significantly differ in their results in terms of knowledge exploration and, specially, knowledge exploitation. Moreover, product development requires a symbiosis between both cultural and...

Organizational Readiness Assessment for Knowledge Management

Abstract: Implementing knowledge management or knowledge-sharing projects in an organization require significant organizational prerequisites. Lacking proper infrastructures and prerequisite, not only make the knowledge management process unprofitable, but might incur harmful effects as well. To decrease such risks, it is proposed to introduce the readiness assessment, in order to gauge a company’s appetite for the work involved in implementing the knowledge management. In this research, critical success factors have been extracted from literature reviews and surveyed through a questionnaire, distributed among 130 knowledge management experts. Then, to validate the measurement of the multi-item constructs, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used. Identifying effective variables and their grouping onto related factors, the second questionnaire was employed for readiness assessment of an IT firm working in Iran and its results were presented with Radar diagrams. Finally, promoting propositions were provided based on the firm’s current state.