Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Liu ◽  
Christopher Chan ◽  
Chenhui Zhao ◽  
Chao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine knowledge management practices in China with the purpose to provide a holistic view regarding the current status of knowledge management at both national and organizational levels. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey method, this study collected primary data from organizations across several regions in China. The data were analyzed to detect possible relationships among institutional force, organizational culture and knowledge management process in Chinese organizations. More specifically, to what extent are these relationships moderated by national culture? Findings While knowledge management practices in China were partly influenced by institutional forces, most of the predicted connections between organizational culture and knowledge management were supported. In addition, the dynamic nature of national culture is predominant, that pervasively influencing knowledge management processes and thus contextualization determines how knowledge is being managed in China. Indeed, the ideologies of relationships and trust are key vehicles for knowledge management in the Chinese organizations. Practical implications This study comprehensively reviews existing literature to form an integrative framework, which is under explored in a Chinese context. Such initiative helps scholars and practitioners to gain a full understanding of knowledge management, in general, in the Chinese business environment in particular. Originality/value This paper provides a detailed and empirical insight into the knowledge management practices in Chinese organizations and suggests that knowledge management in a distinctive and yet diverse cultural context should be considered with caution.

Knowledge management practices for innovation: a multinational corporation’s perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 905-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Jiménez-Jiménez ◽  
Micaela Martínez-Costa ◽  
Raquel Sanz-Valle
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reverse Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Different Sources

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the importance of different knowledge management practices to promote organizational innovation in multinational companies. The links among internationalization, reverse knowledge transfer and social capital and organizational innovation are analyzed. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling was used to check the research hypotheses with a sample of 104 multinational companies. Findings – The results show that internalization has no direct effect on organizational innovation but a indirect effect trhrough the transfer of knowledge from external subsidiaries to the headquarter. Furthermore, this knowledge and other that comes from internal and external social capital is essential for the development of innovations. Research limitations/implications – Self-reporting by the CEOs may be the most significant limitation, as a single key informant provided the data; multiple informants would enhance the validity of the research findings. A second limitation is the cross-sectional design of the research that does not allow observation of the short- and long-term impact of the relationships among the variables. Practical implications – Organizational innovation is not an easy task. However, those multinational companies which foster knowledge management practices that generate new knowledge from external subsidiaries, internal or external social relationships, will facilitate the generation of innovations. In consequence, these companies should foster the generation of knowledge from different sources. Originality/value – The focus of the study in this paper is on multinational companies and the possibility to acquire knowledge from different sources (inside organization, external local environment and international context). Specially, focus on the transfer of knowledge from subsidiaries to headquarters (reverse knowledge transfer), as it is insufficiently investigated by current literature.

scholarly journals Knowledge Management and Organizational Culture: An Exploratory Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Li ◽  
Jianpeng Zhang ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Empirical Relationship ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Cultural Traits ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Purpose of the article Knowledge has been considered as the strategic assets and become the source of competitive advantage in organizations. Knowledge management thus receives the extraordinary attention from the top management. Many organizational factors have influences on knowledge management practices. This paper attempts to explore the empirical relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture in the specific situation of China’s commercial banking industry. Methodology/methods The relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture is quantitatively investigated by surveying bank managers. The scale of SECI modes is used to measure knowledge management process and the scale of Denison Organizational Culture Survey (DOCS) is used to measure organizational culture. We explore the underlying relationship by employing the statistical analyses such as correlation, regression and structural equation modeling. Scientific aim The research aims at testing the relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture, and furthermore if there exist linkages between cultural traits and SECI modes. Findings The results of the empirical study confirm the great and positive effect that organizational culture has on knowledge management. Different cultural traits contribute to different SECI modes. Conclusions For obtaining successful knowledge management practices in organizations, it is better to concern about the relationship between knowledge management and organizational culture. The limitation in the paper is the sampling size, which will be solved by an industry-wide survey in our future research.

“Knowledge management practices” as moderator in the relationship between organizational culture and performance in information technology companies in India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Shea ◽  
Syed Aktharsha Usman ◽  
Sengottuvel Arivalagan ◽  
Satyanarayana Parayitam
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Information Technology Companies ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine knowledge management (KM) practices as a moderator in the relationship between organizational culture and performance. The effect of four types of organizational culture on organizational performance was studied. In addition to direct effects, most importantly, KM practices as a moderator in strengthening the culture-performance relationship were empirically examined. Design/methodology/approach A carefully crafted survey instrument was distributed and data was collected from 1,255 respondents from 10 information technology companies in India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, this paper performs hierarchical regression to test hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that: cooperative culture, innovative culture, consistent culture and effectiveness culture were all positively and significantly related to organizational performance; KM practices were positively and significantly related to organizational performance, KM practices moderate the relationship between various dimensions of organizational culture and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications As with any survey-based research, the present study suffers from the problems associated with self-report measures. These are common method bias and social desirability bias. However, this study attempts to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques. Practical implications This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on KM and organizational culture. The study suggests that managers use KM practices, which are all-pervasive and very important for improving organizational performance. The results highlight the importance of implementing KM practices in organizations. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the importance of KM practices in achieving sustained competitive advantage by achieving organizational effectiveness. To the knowledge, the importance of KM practices is underemphasized in organizational culture research.

Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management

2002 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thou Tin Lim
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cultural Leadership ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
New Business ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Management Processes

As organizations in Singpore respond to the pressures of globalization, the adoption of knowledge management practices becomes more prevalent. In a hurry to implement this new business paradigm, organizations may have overlooked the influence of the cultural context which is commonly considered one of the pillars of knowledge management in a western-oriented organization. This paper examines what was overlooked by Singapore organizations while moving towards knowledge management. Specifically, it studies the impact of organizational culture on knowledge management processes. A review of literature shows that there is a relationship between cultural factors and knowledge management processes. This relationship is reflected in a research model that helps to answer research questions and to formulate hypotheses for testing. The result indicates that knowledge management should consider not just the technological aspects of implementation but also the cultural, leadership and contextual aspects of an organization.

Analysing the benefits, techniques, tools and challenges of knowledge management practices in the Malaysian construction SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Anna Lock
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cultural Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Company Identification

Purpose Knowledge management (KM) is the central know how for the construction industry. However, the delivery of construction projects is often plagued by schedule delays and cost overruns due to lack of working knowledge of project personnel. Hence, the need to appraise the practices of knowledge management in the construction industry has become all the more germane. This paper aims to determine the awareness of KM practices in Malaysia-based construction small and medium enterprises, and to investigate the benefits, tools and techniques, and challenges associated with knowledge management implementation so that effective measures can be devised to address them. Design/methodology/approach The research data were gathered using a structured questionnaire survey disseminated in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia. Responses were collected from 107 industry practitioners. The quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics, and the ranking with category of significance of the hypothesised variables is determined using the relative importance index (RII) technique. Findings The key benefits of KM practices are predominantly raising efficiency, quality, productivity and decision-making. The most preferred KM techniques are “face-to-face interaction”, “mentoring” and “documents and reports”. The highly significant tools are “groupware” and “telephone”. The major organisational issue hampering the implementation of knowledge management practices is “lack of motivation” while the critical cultural issue is relating to “bureaucracy and hierarchical”, and the vital people issue concerns “lack of trust”. Research limitations/implications The respondents were limited to only small and medium construction enterprises located in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia, which makes generalisation challenging. Practical implications KM provides not only a pragmatic but also a proactive approach to raising the competitive edge and capabilities of a construction company. Identification of the critical attributes of KM provides the basis for project managers in formulating KM strategies to enhance the chances of successful delivery of future projects. Originality/value The study contributes to the debate on the knowledge agenda in the construction industry, particularly from a fast developing economy’s perspective, where an effective KM can further contribute to realising a reasonable level of competitiveness operation.

Empowering leadership and knowledge management: the mediating role of followers' technology use

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafer Türkmendağ ◽  
Muharrem Tuna
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Hotel Management ◽  
Empowering Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of empowering leadership in intraorganizational knowledge management practices and to reveal how followers' acceptance and use of the hotel management system affect this role.Design/methodology/approachA serial multiple mediation model was evaluated and tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The database was created from the results of a structured questionnaire obtained from 401 employees working in hotels in Turkey.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that empowering leadership has a significant effect on followers' knowledge creation, sharing and application. It was also found that the acceptance and use of the hotel management system were partially complementary to the impact of empowering leadership on followers' knowledge management practices.Practical implicationsThis paper gives an insight into the empowering leader's role in gathering useful knowledge, which is self-managed within the organization, by encouraging, motivating, providing autonomous and supportive conditions and making it beneficial and easier for their followers to adapt to the organization's technologies.Originality/valueThe efficient management of knowledge in organizations through the use of technology is possible by distributing power to subordinates through expanding the theory of knowledge management, leadership and the acceptance and use of technology. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by establishing the theoretical foundation of the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge management practices based on Dalkir's knowledge management model and by discussing the mediating effect of the core variables of the UTAUT model.

Knowledge management practices and systems in county governments in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Rumo Arongo Ndiege ◽  
Patrick Kanyi Wamuyu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Economic Resource ◽  
County Governments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose While several studies have indicated the critical role played by the ability of countries to exploit knowledge as an economic resource, it would appear that there have been very few studies conducted on understanding the practices adopted by governments in relation to exploring knowledge, particularly in Africa. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevailing knowledge management practices and technological solutions used by governments to support knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach To address the research objective of this study, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used. The interviews were conducted with both senior and junior county officials from five counties in Kenya, with a total of 31 county officials participating. Further, various county documents were analysed both to seek convergence and corroborate the interview findings. Findings The study findings revealed that no systematic knowledge management practices existed in the county governments in Kenya, which were investigated. On the few occasions that the study did find evidence of knowledge management practices, these practices were isolated, informal, uncoordinated and rarely documented and/or communicated. Furthermore, the study found that there were inadequate policy frameworks in place to support knowledge management practices. The study also revealed a scarcity of relevant technological solutions tailored to support knowledge management practices. Research limitations/implications It was, thus, hoped that this research would promote an understanding of the prevailing local circumstances that hinder the effective utilisation of knowledge management practices and systems. The study recommends that county governments develop the capabilities required for creating and sustaining an enabling knowledge management environment through frameworks and policies that foster knowledge management practices and systems. The findings have practical implications for the way in which county governments in Kenya and other developing countries may improve their knowledge management practices and adopt appropriate technological solutions to support such practices. Originality/value Much of the existing literature on knowledge management is focussed on exploring such practices in large businesses. Studies centred specifically on the analysis of knowledge management practices in county governments in Africa, and how technological solutions may be used to build such practices are conspicuously lacking in the relevant literature.

Knowledge management, problem solving and performance in top Italian firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Giampaoli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Nick Bontis
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Creative Problem Solving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Creative Problem

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the link between knowledge management practices, problem-solving processes and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses survey data from 112 leading Italian companies. To test the structural relations of the research model, we used the partial least squares method. Findings Results show a strong relationship between knowledge management practices and intermediate activities of creative problem solving and problem-solving speed. In addition, creative problem solving has a direct impact on both organizational and financial performances, whereas problem-solving speed has a direct effect only on financial performance. Research limitations/implications The focus on top Italian firms limits the generalizability of results. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of knowledge management practices for problem-solving activities and firm performance. Originality/value The present paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by conceptualizing and empirically testing the relationship between knowledge management, problem-solving processes (creative problem solving and problem-solving speed) and firm performance. This study is the first ever to study these relationships within the Italian context.

Customer-centered knowledge management: challenges and implications for knowledge-based innovation in the public transport sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Sindakis ◽  
Audrey Depeige ◽  
Eleni Anoyrkati
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose – This study aims to explore the role of knowledge management practices in supporting current and emerging passengers’ and customer needs, aiming to create value. Specifically, the research examines the importance of customer-centred knowledge management in the delivery of innovative services and practices in the public transport sector, promoting the role of interactions between mobility stakeholders and travellers. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical framework is developed and supported by the background literature on customer-centric knowledge management approaches, business model innovation, as well as on inter-organisational and network co-operations. Findings – Results show that the development of sustainable innovation and technologies in the transport sector requires knowledge management practices, which enable the access to knowledge about users’ needs, the mapping and evaluation of innovative knowledge, the promotion of knowledge-based innovation through collective approaches, as well as the acquisition and integration of new knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual framework developed in the paper remains limited to a theoretical understanding. Further research should empirically examine knowledge issues related to the intangible character and intellectual capital intensiveness of innovation in the transport sector. Practical implications – Researchers, public transport companies and public transport authorities are expected to benefit from this research, by developing mechanisms for customer-centred knowledge management, which is found to lead to innovative services and practices in the public transport sector. Another practical implication regards the adoption of knowledge management practices, leading to technological innovations in public transport, and advancing the level of sustainability in transport systems. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in the development of a customer-focussed knowledge management framework, which provides a novel perspective of value creation in an attempt to engage researchers and practitioners from the transport industry in the conceptualisation and development of innovative solutions.

In today's global environment organizational culture dominates national culture!

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Braden R. Kattman
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organizational Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Power Company ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Business And Management

Purpose – The specific problem this research addresses is whether cultural differences, national or organizational, impact how effectively the continuous improvement process is received within the supply chain in order to improve supplier performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The research design used a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Findings – The research found that Canada was most receptive to continuous improvement, with China being the least receptive. The study found that organizational culture was more influential than national culture. Isomorphism and benchmarking is driving continuous-improvement language and methods to be more universally known within business. Business and management practices appear to take precedence in driving change within organizations. Research limitations/implications – The sample size and countries involved was very small and limited to key medium sized distributed power company (MSDPC) suppliers. This limited diversity and may have introduced supplier selection bias, as well as survey response bias. Practical implications – This research concludes that organizational culture is more dominant over national culture and the influence of leadership within the organization drives the impact of continuous improvement. Originality/value – With isomorphism and the fact that businesses want to be successful, continuous improvement language and methods are becoming more universally known. Business and management practices are now taking precedence in driving change within organizations. Organizational culture is now more influential than national culture.

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