Contextual factors in knowledge reuse

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Po Cheuk ◽  
Saša Baškarada ◽  
Andy Koronios
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Knowledge Reuse ◽  
Large White ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Theory ◽  
Accessibility Issues ◽  
Search And Selection ◽  
Language Accessibility

Purpose This paper aims to answer calls for more research on how contextual factors influence the effectiveness of knowledge reuse. Design/methodology/approach The findings are based on an in-depth case study conducted in the sales department of a large white goods company in Australia. Findings Six contextual factors identified include purpose, time pressure, language, accessibility, author and date. A mismatch in purpose between knowledge creation and reuse is most likely to reduce knowledge reuse effectiveness. Time pressures may lead to an increase in errors associated with search question definition as well as knowledge search and selection, while unfamiliar language is likely to lead to misinterpretations of content. Knowledge accessibility issues are of particular concern in time-sensitive situations. Authorship and creation date information may facilitate knowledge reuse by allowing consumers to filter unwanted knowledge. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge management theory by providing an exploration of the ways in which contextual factors influence knowledge and reuse effectiveness, and of the possible relationships between those factors. The paper also provides knowledge management practitioners with tangible guidelines on how to increase the effectiveness of organizational knowledge reuse.

scholarly journals How organisations can affect employees’ intention to manage enterprise-specific knowledge through informal mentoring: a vignette study

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1605-1624
Author(s):  
Conny J.J. Roobol ◽  
Ferry Koster
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Career Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Mentoring ◽  
Vignette Study ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the role of organisational conditions and workplace characteristics in midcareer and senior employees’ intention to volitionally provide career support to junior organisational members, their protégés. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses are tested using multilevel linear modelling on a heterogeneous sample of Dutch employees ages 29 to 69 who participated in a vignette study in the autumn of 2017. Findings In line with the hypotheses, the findings of this study show that volitional (informal) mentoring is positively related to an organisation’s endorsement of intrinsic values (e.g. learning opportunities) and negatively to the presence of hindrance demands (e.g. time pressure). Practical implications Practitioners could facilitate co-mentor consultation, employ autonomy-supportive direct supervisors and fulfil psychological contract obligations by providing job security and learning opportunities. Organisations could also lower time pressures through job carving. Originality/value This study extends extant mentoring research by combining insights from perceived organisational support (POS) and self-determination theory (SDT) to examine the role organisational conditions and workplace characteristics play in aiding or hindering volitional mentoring. It enriches extant knowledge management studies on the link between organisational aspects and (intended) knowledge sharing behaviour by showing that similar organisational motivators predict volitional mentoring, thereby launching a call to study knowledge management through volitional mentoring using a SDT- and POS-based lens. A methodological novelty is the reliance on a vignette study.

Developing a conceptual framework of knowledge management

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayees Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Organizational Memory ◽  
Learning Orientation ◽  
Knowledge Reuse ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Knowledge management is a function of learning orientation, knowledge sharing, organizational memory and knowledge reuse. This paper aims to endeavor to explore a link between knowledge management and value creation which seem to be fragmented in the literature due to various conceptualizations and meanings. The study hypothesized a moderating role of social capital on the relationship between knowledge management and value creation. Design/methodology/approach The study was approached from the theoretical perspective. Study thoroughly reviews and analyzes the literature by developing a link between knowledge management and value creation. The studies were explored from selected databases including “Google scholar”, “Emerald” and “ProQuest” using the keyword search, namely, “Knowledge Sharing”, “Learning Orientation”, “Organizational Memory”, “Knowledge Re-use”, “Knowledge Management”, “Knowledge-based View”, “Competitive Advantage”, “Value Creation” and “Social Capital” to reduce the interpretation bias. Findings Knowledge management is an important predictor of value creation which can be strengthened by developing strong interpersonal relationships with all stakeholders. Organizations can create competitive advantage by managing social capital through knowledge management processes including learning orientation, knowledge sharing, organizational memory and knowledge reuse. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a theoretical model and an apparent limitation is the non-existence here of contributions and discussions that have been based on empirical data. Future study may use other moderating and mediating variables such as industry type, market orientation, human capital and organizational climate to know whether knowledge management directly affects the value creation or indirectly through these variables. The hypotheses emerged from the model can be operationalized by generating the items from the review of the literature. Originality/value The study contributes to the knowledge management literature by developing a theoretical model of knowledge management based on underlying dimensions of learning orientation, knowledge sharing, organizational memory and knowledge re-use.

Processes, characteristics, and effectiveness

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 486-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Shen ◽  
Ziye Li ◽  
Xiuyun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Transfer Processes ◽  
Knowledge Processes ◽  
Knowledge Management Theory ◽  
Interview Survey

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address important but unresolved questions regarding how different knowledge transfer processes and characteristics affect knowledge transfer effectiveness (KTE). This study, which draws on an integrative knowledge management framework, forces us to reconsider successful knowledge transfer within organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The data for this study were obtained through an interview survey of 117 firms in China. The questionnaire was adapted from several previous studies on processes, characteristics, and effectiveness of knowledge transfer. A regression method was conducted to test all hypotheses. Findings – The findings show that both structured and unstructured knowledge processes has positive effects on KTE. Furthermore, knowledge embeddedness and articulability differently moderate the relationship between transfer processes and effectiveness. Originality/value – The paper contributes to knowledge management theory by providing an integrative framework on how organizations can facilitate KTE by conducting appropriate transfer processes aligned with differentiated knowledge characteristics. Further, this study investigates the “fit” between knowledge transfer processes and characteristics.

The explicit dimension: what we could not learn from Polanyi

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 333-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Grandinetti
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Alternative States ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Management Theory

Purpose – This paper aims to clarify that the link between Michael Polanyi’s tacit knowledge theory and the field of knowledge management research does not withstand in-depth analysis. Second, the paper suggests a way to emerge from the ambiguity that unavoidably results from using the tacit knowledge concept in knowledge management studies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an analysis of the tacit knowledge theories developed by Polanyi, by cognitive psychologists and by knowledge management scholars. It goes on to formulate a new conceptual framework of tacit knowledge. Findings – This proposal consists in assuming that the terms “unconscious” and “tacit” are not interchangeable and, consequently, redefining the epistemological profile of knowledge management theory so as to acknowledge the existence of two planes of analysis. One is occupied by the process through which individuals gain knowledge, or the knowing process, which may be unconscious or conscious. The other contains the dichotomy between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge, where the two terms indicate two alternative states that only consciously developed knowledge can adopt. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides support for the two-planes idea by referring to contributions from various disciplines, and particularly from cognitive psychology studies concerned with unconscious knowledge; a more thorough and extensive review would be needed, however, to fully demonstrate the proposal. Originality/value – Distinguishing between two planes of analysis makes it possible to unveil the mystery of tacit knowledge.

The impact of time pressure on knowledge transfer effectiveness in teams: trust as a critical but fragile mediator

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 2357-2372
Author(s):  
Torbjørn Bjorvatn ◽  
Andreas Wald
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Relevant Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Product Cycles ◽  
The Impact

Purpose With faster innovation and shorter product cycles, time pressure is a highly relevant factor affecting contemporary business processes. This study aims to extend prior research on the effects of velocity at the firm level by considering the effect of time pressure on knowledge transfer effectiveness (KTE) on the team level and the role of trust as a mediator of this effect. Design/methodology/approach We empirically assess the impact of time pressure on knowledge transfer effectiveness in teams. Further, we test the mediating effect of trust on this relationship. We study a sample of 285 project teams applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The authors find that time pressure is negatively associated with KTE. Moreover, trust among team members has a complementary mediating effect on this relationship. Thus, while trust is urgently needed for enhancing KTE under time pressure, time pressure reduces trust-building too. Research limitations/implications This study establishes empirically the importance of time pressure and trust as drivers of KTE in teams. The contribution connects the field of knowledge management to important streams in the wider business literature: organization studies, management, strategic management, project management, innovation etc. Whereas the model is parsimonious, it has high explanatory power and high generalizability to other contexts. Practical implications Team managers should take care to allow enough time for knowledge transfer within the team. This is particularly important when knowledge sharing is central, e.g. in innovation, development and change processes. If this is not possible, measures should be taken to maintain trust among team members. Social implications Effective knowledge management enhances the performance of business entities and public-sector organizations alike. Today, both the private and public sectors are under considerable pressure to increase both efficiency and effectiveness. Effective knowledge transfer within teams is a core capability to achieve this goal. More effective organizations result in more competitive private firms, more employment opportunities and improved public services to citizens. Originality/value Time pressure is an increasingly relevant factor in contemporary business but so far little explored in research. This study extends current knowledge by considering the effect of time pressure on KTE.

Mapping the organizational factors that support knowledge management in the Brazilian automotive industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Valio Dominguez Gonzalez ◽  
Manoel Fernando Martins
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Automotive Sector ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The latest models on knowledge management (KM) recognize four phases for its practice: acquisition, storage, distribution, and knowledge utilization. The KM is characterized as a multidisciplinary discipline, involving both technical and social aspects. Therefore, the purpose of this research is both social and of coordination, aiming to identify contextual factors, internally developed in the organizations, which support the KM process in the Brazilian companies in the automotive sector. Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the research purpose, a quantitative research method was employed, based on a survey research in the automotive sector. Findings – The results point to the existence of eight contextual factors that support the KM process in the organizations. These factors are mainly related to the human being, responsible for the retention and transformation of primary knowledge, and the development of an organizational context that encourages the learning process through the culture and structure designed for this purpose. Research limitations/implications – One of the limitations is that the study is based on constructs derived from a theoretical background, however it does not offer an empirical test to validate the selected constructs. Future studies could create a metric to evaluate the constructs' consistency and use regression analysis to validate them. The second limitation relates to empirical research. The survey achieved a return of 78 companies and a larger sample could provide more robust data. Practical implications – Practitioners need to take cognizance of the fact that KM process must not be confused nor focused on IT deployment. The development of an organizational context is much more complex and important to the success of KM. By characteristics of mapped factors, it is possible to conclude that KM process is focused on the development of individuals. It is from their employees that the organization promotes the knowledge exploitation in problem solving activities and incremental improvements, and knowledge exploration, rebuilding the competences to innovate the processes. Originality/value – The main contribution of this paper is to identify the factors that companies in the Brazilian automotive industry must develop in order to promote KM. Furthermore, the research shows the relationship between these factors and KM process.

Contextual factors affecting knowledge management diffusion in SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 1415-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Fen Lin
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
It Support

Purpose – Based on the knowledge management (KM) perspective, innovation diffusion theory and technology-organization-environment framework, the purpose of this paper is to develop a research model to investigate the influence of technological (information technology (IT) support and IT effectiveness), organizational (top management support, sharing culture, and reward system) and environmental (competitive pressure) contexts on the two-stage KM diffusion (KM adoption and implementation) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – Data gathered from 119 SME senior managers (including owner, vice president, and business manager) in Taiwan were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs using the partial least squares approach. Findings – The results showed that technological, organizational, and environmental factors have different effects on KM adoption and implementation stages. Specially, IT support has the strongest effect on KM adoption stage, while sharing culture has the strongest effect on KM implementation stage. Practical implications – IT support continues to be positively related to the level of KM implementation after adoption. KM diffusion requires managers to invest time and effort to link specific IT support and knowledge-based work activities, since effective IT deployment for KM can help SMEs move toward a knowledge society, which is vital in the contemporary knowledge economy. Originality/value – Theoretically, the findings of this study contribute to empirical research on contextual factors that influence KM diffusion using a broad data set rather than a few isolated SME cases. From the managerial perspective, given the importance of KM diffusion in modern SMEs and also in the future, the findings of this study are designed to enable owner-managers and practitioners to understand how SMEs KM diffusion is influenced by contextual factors, and how the effects may vary across different stages.

The ISO 30401 knowledge management systems standard – a new framework for value creation and research?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Pawlowsky ◽  
Nina S. Pflugfelder ◽  
Maik H. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Knowledge Management Theory ◽  
Context Specific

PurposeThe article reviews major developments in the literature on knowledge management and intellectual capital management. It provides a description and visualization of the structure and content of the ISO 30401 and critically benchmarks its clauses against comprehensive taxonomies from the literature.Design/methodology/approach2018 saw the release of the ISO 30401 Knowledge Management Systems Standard, a type A regulation which may serve as a basis for certification. It builds on and integrates a broad and conceptually diverse literature on knowledge resources (e.g. intellectual capital theory, knowledge management theory). This article aims to show how the management systems standard relates to the literature it is built on and provides directions for its further operationalization by certification bodies and implementation by managers.FindingsThe ISO 30401 successfully integrates a diverse body of literature in a broadly applicable cross-industry standard. To operationalize and implement it, certification bodies and managers should build on empirical evidence of “what works,” taking into account market characteristics as well as organizational properties. Further research should support the implementation of the standard by developing KM measurement frameworks and context-specific studies of KM tools and methods.Originality/valueThis article is the first to systematically compare the ISO 30401 to the underlying theory. This paper uncovers avenues for research and makes suggestions for the standard's operationalization in practice.

Big data investments in knowledge and non-knowledge intensive firms: what the market tells us

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 623-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
William Yu Chung Wang ◽  
David J. Pauleen
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Stock Market ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Stock Prices ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Information Value ◽  
Publicly Traded ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the value of big data investments by examining the market reaction to company announcements of big data investments and tests the effect for firms that are either knowledge intensive or not. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an event study using data from two stock markets in China. Findings The stock market sees an overall index increase in stock prices when announcements of big data investments are revealed by grouping all the listed firms included in the sample. Increased stock prices are also the case for non-knowledge intensive firms. However, the stock market does not seem to react to big data investment announcements by testing the knowledge intensive firms along. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the literature on assessing the economic value of big data investments from the perspective of big data information value chain by taking an unexpected change in stock price as the measure of the financial performance of the investment and by comparing market reactions between knowledge intensive firms and non-knowledge intensive firms. Findings of this study can be used to refine practitioners’ understanding of the economic value of big data investments to different firms and provide guidance to their future investments in knowledge management to maximize the benefits along the big data information value chain. However, findings of study should be interpreted carefully when applying them to companies that are not publicly traded on the stock market or listed on other financial markets. Originality/value Based on the concept of big data information value chain, this study advances research on the economic value of big data investments. Taking the perspective of stock market investors, this study investigates how the stock market reacts to big data investments by comparing the reactions to knowledge-intensive firms and non-knowledge-intensive firms. The results may be particularly interesting to those publicly traded companies that have not previously invested in knowledge management systems. The findings imply that stock investors tend to believe that big data investment could possibly increase the future returns for non-knowledge-intensive firms.

Utilizing a systematic literature review to develop an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chulatep Senivongse ◽  
Alex Bennet ◽  
Stefania Mariano
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Information And Knowledge Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of using a systematic literature review to develop an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems. Design/methodology/approach First, the systematic literature review method is introduced, differentiating it from traditional literature reviews in terms of value-added and limitations. Second, this methodology is used in a research application focused on absorptive capacity internal capabilities with regard to the processes of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. Third, an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems is developed from this application. Findings The systematic literature review approach provides a rigor that can assist in reducing researcher bias while simultaneously enabling the definition of a precise scope of review, with a clear explanation of selection criteria with the objective to find and review all the studies that are relevant to the search definitions. As a research method, it effectively supports a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methodology. Research limitations/implications This methodology was applied to one specific area of research. Specific limitations include the availability of articles in subscribed databases and the analytical capabilities of the tools used for text mining and analytics. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the usefulness of the systematic literature review methodology in developing an integrated framework for analysis.

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