Are academic libraries ready for knowledge management?

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Marouf
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Readiness To Adopt

Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of organizational factors, such as the culture of trust, human resources (HR) practice and top management support on librarians’ attitudes towards knowledge sharing (KS), and the degree to which this attitude affects their perceived readiness to adopt knowledge management (KM). Design/methodology/approach A soft copy of the questionnaire was sent to 217 academic librarians in both public and private universities in Kuwait. A total of 150 valid responses were collected and tested using a structural equation model. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and LISREL software to verify the research hypotheses. Findings The study found that apart from HR practices, all the other factors had significant effects on librarians’ attitudes towards KS. In addition, the attitude of librarians towards KS was found to significantly affect the readiness to adopt KM in academic libraries. Practical implications Findings should help libraries identify opportunities and barriers to adopting KM. Results indicate that strengthening the affecting factors, such as a culture of trust and top management support, lead to a more positive attitude towards KS and ultimately a better chance of success for any KM initiative that will take place in an academic library. Originality/value The primary research contribution is the conceptual model of the effect of the organizational factors of a culture of trust, HR practices and top management support on librarians’ attitudes towards KS, and the degree to which this affects their perceived readiness to adopt KM.

Building a fitting context for knowledge management and innovativeness

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşe Günsel ◽  
Serdar Bozkurt ◽  
Özge Mehtap
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Firm Innovativeness ◽  
Organizational Rewards

Purpose In the hyper-dynamic business world of today, innovation has become the lifeblood of organizations. Knowledge management (KM) is widely considered an essential antecedent of innovation. However, very little empirical research has specifically addressed how KM is nurtured as support for innovation from a behavioral point of view. This paper aims to operationalize the characteristics of a fitting context – in terms of top management support, organizational rewards and mutual trust – and to clarify the role of organizational context on knowledge management strategies (KMS) and ultimately on firm innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach By studying 98 surveys from 23 companies from Technology Fast 50 list, based on using the partial least squares method, the authors find that this organizational context has a significant impact on the formulation and implementation of KMS. Findings Organizational/behavioral context has significant effects on the formulation and implementation of KMS as well as firm innovativeness. The results also demonstrate that the tacit KMS has a crucial impact on firm innovativeness. Originality/value From a behavioral perspective, this study empirically examines the role of organizational context (top management support, organizational rewards and mutual trust), KMS and firm innovativeness in a holistic manner in Turkey, a developing country. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no researcher has undergone those relationships in literature.

Investigating the influence of organizational factors on blockchain adoption

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (7) ◽  
pp. 1457-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Clohessy ◽  
Thomas Acton
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Organizational Readiness ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
It Innovation

Purpose Blockchain possesses the potential to disrupt and reshape a plethora of industries in the next decade. However, blockchain adoption rates in technology developed countries, such as Ireland, are relatively low. Motivated by blockchain’s potential to transform sociotechnical systems, the lack of systematic inquiry pertaining to blockchain studies from an information system perspective, the authors propose the following research question: “How do organizational factors influence blockchain adoption in organizations based in a developed country?” Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to elucidate the impact of organizational factors on the adoption of blockchain and the adoption of blockchain in companies based in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and the methods of qualitative content analysis were used to identify the most important technology–organization–environment (TOE) blockchain adoption factors. Organizational factors are often viewed as the most significant determinants of IT innovation adoption in organizations. Consequently, using a multiple-case study of 20 companies based in Ireland, the authors investigate how the top three organizational factors identified from the blockchain literature affected these companies decision to adopt or not adopt blockchain. Findings The literature review on blockchain adoption identified specific technological, organizational and environmental factors. Furthermore, the case study findings identified three patterns: top management support and organizational readiness are enablers for blockchain adoption, and large companies are more likely to adopt blockchain than small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors explain these patterns by examining the nature of blockchain and the characteristics of Ireland as a developed country. Practical and scientific contributions are also presented. Research limitations/implications This study makes several important scientific contributions. First, the findings revealed that top management support and organizational readiness are significant enablers of blockchain adoption. Ireland is recognized as a technology developed country; however, the findings in relation to top management support contradict existing IT adoption literature pertaining to developed countries. Second, previous IT innovation adoption literature suggests that organizations size has a positive influence on a company’s IT innovation adoption process. This study demonstrates that large organizations are more likely to not only adopt blockchain but are also more likely to conduct increased levels of blockchain research and development activities. Finally, and most significantly, the authors identified several patterns, which relate specifically to Ireland as a developed country that influenced the findings. These findings could hold particular relevance to governments and organizations of other developed countries in terms of accelerating blockchain adoption. Practical implications The findings about the low level of blockchain awareness and the lack of information pertaining to viable business use cases indicate that the Irish government could play a more significant role in promoting the benefits of blockchain technologies. Further, the findings could also encourage IT providers to formulate enhanced strategies aimed at disseminating information pertaining to blockchain technologies. Second, the positive influence of top management support and organizational readiness, particularly about core competencies, on blockchain adoption suggests that equipping managers with the requisite knowledge and skills will be crucial in adopting these IT innovations. Finally, organizations who adopted blockchain used cloud-based blockchain platforms and tools to overcome the constraints of their initial low levels of organizational readiness. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to identify specific TOE blockchain adoption factors. Further, the authors examine how the three most identified organizational adoption factors impact organizations decisions to adopt blockchain. Finally, the authors discuss how the resulting three patterns identified by examining the nature of blockchain and the characteristics of Ireland as a technology developed country.

Understanding factors affecting knowledge sharing

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Safayet Rahman ◽  
Md Zahidul Islam ◽  
Annie Dayani Ahad Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Potential Mediator

Purpose The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework of knowledge sharing for Bangladesh’s business organizations. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of previous literature, this paper proposed a framework for knowledge sharing. Findings This paper identified organizational commitment as a potential mediator for the relationship between organizational factors (organizational culture, leadership and structure) and knowledge sharing. In this paper, top management support and information and communication technology (ICT) support are also proposed as potential moderators that can affect knowledge sharing. Research limitations/implications This paper has identified several organizational factors to predict knowledge sharing. Future research with empirical evidence will validate this conceptual framework. Practical implications This paper will help business managers to understand knowledge sharing from a different perspective. Propositions of organizational commitment as a potential mediator and top management support and ICT support as potential moderators will provide managers with a better understanding of employees’ knowledge sharing behavior. Originality/value This paper adopted the general model of workplace commitment and integrated with organizational factors (organizational culture, leadership, structure, top management support and ICT support) to understand knowledge sharing for the business organizations of Bangladesh.

Empirical investigation of the relationship between organizational factors and organizational commitment in service organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-431
Author(s):  
Safayet Rahman ◽  
Md. Zahidul Islam ◽  
Annie Dayani Ahad Abdullah ◽  
Wardah Azimah Sumardi
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of organizational factors such as culture, leadership, structure and top management support on organizational commitment in Bangladeshi service sector.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on empirical findings administered on 217 managerial personnel in the service organizations based in Bangladesh.FindingsFindings of this study reveal that among the variables that are hypothesized in this study; team orientation, stability, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, decentralization, formalization and top management support have an influence on organizational commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has identified and integrated factors that can influence organizational commitment in Bangladeshi service sector. Larger sample size including multiple country or culture may bring more explanatory power, comparability and increased generalizability.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this study will help business managers to identify and understand the organizational factors that can influence organizational commitment.Originality/valueThis study extends current research on organizational commitment by identifying and integrating the organizational factors and providing a simplistic model for the relationship between organizational factors and organizational commitment in the context of Bangladeshi service organizations.

The acceptance of newly introduced HR practices

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Stirpe ◽  
Jaime Bonache ◽  
Jordi Trullen
Keyword(s):  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Employee Acceptance ◽  
Innovation Climate

Purpose – HR practices are only effective if they are well accepted by employees. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of two forms of support on the acceptance of newly introduced HR practices (NHRPs): that of top managers and of supervisors. In addition, the authors analyze how these two forms of support work in conjunction with one another. The authors argue that a lack of consistency between the two impairs NHRP acceptance. The authors also explore variations in acceptance under different organizational climates. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on an original sample of 307 employees from nine multinational companies operating in Spain. Multilevel regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The authors found that top management support, supervisor support, and innovation climate are all predictors of NHRP acceptance. The authors also found that low supervisor support reduces the effect of top management support. Finally, the authors found that innovation climate is not a substitute for management and supervisor support. Practical implications – The findings suggest that top management and supervisor behavior is critical to gaining employee acceptance of NHRPs, no matter how well designed such practices are or how well they address the needs of the organization and its employees. The findings also indicate that top managers and supervisors should coordinate the introduction of NHRPs, since employees perceive support signals from these two agents not only individually but also in conjunction. Originality/value – Recognizing that employee acceptance is an important determinant of the effectiveness of HR practices, the authors make a unique contribution to the literature by investigating some critical contextual enablers of acceptance.

Impact of knowledge management enablers on knowledge sharing

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yasir ◽  
Abdul Majid
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Management System ◽  
Knowledge Management System ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of trust in the relationship between knowledge management enablers (i.e. top management support, organizational culture, knowledge management system quality, and openness in communication) on knowledge sharing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted through self-administered survey of employees of SMEs in Pakistan. Correlation, Baron and Kenny approach (causal steps approach) and PROCESS Macro (normal test theory) developed by Hayes were used to find out the direct and indirect effects of trust among knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing. Findings The results have shown that trust of employees at SMEs was developed through knowledge management enablers which promote knowledge sharing. Therefore, the relationship between knowledge management enablers, trust, and knowledge sharing is positive. Research limitations/implications The current study only considered the single aspect of knowledge management system, i.e. knowledge sharing; some other aspects of knowledge management system such as knowledge creation and knowledge utilization can be used for future studies at SMEs sector. Practical implications The mediation of trust between top management support, culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing provided that trustworthy relationships between the members of an organization would lead to enhance the knowledge sharing activities. In order to promote the knowledge sharing attitudes within the organization, the managers should consider knowledge management enablers (top management support, organizational culture, and openness in communication) along with trustworthy environment as an energetic force for the development of knowledge management systems. Originality/value The study confirmed the mediating effect of trust between the relationships of top management support, organizational culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing, while there is a partial mediating role of trust between knowledge management system quality and knowledge sharing.

E-procurement in small and medium sized enterprises; facilitators, obstacles and effect on performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 839-866
Author(s):  
Cristóbal Sánchez-Rodríguez ◽  
Angel Rafael Martínez-Lorente ◽  
David Hemsworth
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Process Performance ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Strategic Purchasing ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze e-procurement in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its relationship with top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing and the effect of e-procurement on performance (procurement performance and business performance). Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses were tested using a sample of 199 managers from SMEs in manufacturing. Findings The results indicated a significant relationship between e-procurement in SMEs and top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing. Similarly, the authors found a positive relationship between e-procurement and procurement process performance and business performance. Practical implications The findings stress to SME managers, the need to pay attention to top management support, IT obstacles and strategic purchasing when implementing e-procurement. Similarly, it provides evidence of the benefits of e-procurement on procurement process performance and business performance. Originality/value This study fills a gap in the literature regarding e-procurement in SMEs and its impact on performance. SMEs constitute a significant part of today’s economies and e-procurement can significantly impact the performance of these organizations.

Developing human resource for the digitization of logistics operations: readiness index framework

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anchal Gupta ◽  
Rajesh Kr Singh ◽  
Shivam Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Organization Culture ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Logistics Company ◽  
The Right ◽  
Hierarchy Process

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify factors that are important for logistics organizations from the perspective of manpower readiness for digitization of logistics operations. The study also prioritizes the identified factors and also evaluates the readiness index of manpower for the digitalization of logistics processes.Design/methodology/approachThe factors for manpower readiness are identified through literature review and analysis of a case study. Three major categories of factors are identified. These are organizational, behavioural and technological factors. Under these three major categories of factors, 18 sub-factors are identified. Thereafter, with experts' inputs, the factors are prioritized using Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Further, a case illustration of an Indian logistics company has been taken to understand the current processes, technical capabilities, manpower skills and organization culture. After the case analysis and expert inputs, the manpower readiness index has been evaluated by using graph theory matrix approach (GTMA).FindingsThe prioritization of manpower readiness factors has been done using Fuzzy AHP. Organizational factors are found to be the most important factors which require quick attention. Sub-factors that are most important for building competencies in the logistics sector are providing the right training on functional skill development (0.129), top management support and commitment for digitalization (0.117), and organizational culture for process digitalization (0.114), etc. Finally, framework for evaluation of manpower readiness index for logistics operations in the digital age has been illustrated for a case company.Practical implicationsIndian logistics companies can benchmark their readiness index with respect to the best in the industry. Based on the readiness index, logistics companies can analyse their position, gaps from best and worst and can also identify potential areas for improvement.Originality/valueThe novelty of the study lies in the development of a framework for manpower readiness for digitalization in the logistics sector. In literature, this field is very less researched and provides the scope for developing strategies for improving manpower competencies for Industry 4.0. Logistics companies can improve their performance by making their manpower ready based on results obtained for readiness index.

Managing top management support in complex information systems projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 151-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
M. Dolores Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Organizational Communication ◽  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
End Users ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
And Training

Purpose Top management support (TMS) is considered as a critical factor for the success of information systems (ISs) projects. The literature shows that TMS has a positive impact on achieving success in ISs’ projects in different aspects. However, the enabling factors for TMS in complex ISs’ projects have barely been tested, something which this study aims to rectify. Design/methodology/approach This study has designed a research model based on structural equation modelling (SEM) with the intention of analysing the perception of IS end users regarding the effect on TMS of the following factors: technological complexity and training and organizational communication. The application of the study has focused on an enterprise resource planning–open source software (ERP-OSS) environment. Findings The findings show how end users have a perception that organizational communication and training have a positive relation with TMS. Based on these findings, the authors have suggested several practical considerations. Research limitations/implications There are two limitations to this study. First, this study is based on the perception of complex IS/IT users. It would be interesting to add the perception of top managers to provide more solid findings. The second limitation is that this study has not suggested any additional potential factors which could affect TMS. Practical implications First, this article provides a study of the key role of TMS when an organization needs to implement a complex IS/IT. Second, organizations must develop mechanisms for increasing training and communication relating to the new complex IS/IT projects. Finally, the complexity of an IS/IT project does not constitute an enabling factor incentivizing TMS and should therefore not be a determining factor in increasing TMS within an organization selecting an IS/IT. Originality/value This study contributes to advancing theory in the field of TMS in information systems projects.

Top management support and knowledge sharing: the strategic role of affiliation and trust in academic environment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Feng Tian ◽  
Peggy Mei Lan Ng
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Management Support ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Knowledge Intensive Organizations ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose Knowledge sharing, the most important process in knowledge management, enables knowledge-intensive organizations to foster innovations and to gain competitiveness. Universities, the best contemporary embodiments of knowledge-intensive organizations, nowadays face fiercer competition in the changing world. Knowledge sharing is the key for academic departments to gain competitive advantages through innovation. However, limited studies examined the relationships between top management support, knowledge sharing and affiliation and trust. Based on the literature review, this study developed a research model which aims to examine the relationship between top management support and knowledge sharing, and the mediating role played by affiliation and trust. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted in eight universities in Hong Kong. Data gathered from 109 professoriate staff (including chairs, professors and [research] associate/assistant professors) were used to test the four hypotheses in the research model with partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results showed that top management support has a positive impact on affiliation and trust, and that affiliation and trust also have a positive impact on knowledge sharing. However, this study showed an insignificant linkage between top management support and knowledge sharing. Therefore, this study confirmed the mediating role played by affiliation and trust. Practical implications Based on the results, this study provided recommendations on how academic management and knowledge management consultants increase the faculty members’ affiliation and trust, for instance, mentoring, performance appraisal system, social interactions and communication pathways. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to the literature in two ways. First, affiliation and trust are two interplayed elements of team climate that should be considered together. Second, this study validates affiliation and trust as a full mediator between top management support and knowledge sharing.

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