Role of Knowledge Management on Organizational Performance, Case of Jimma University in Ethiopia

This study explored role of knowledge management practice on the performance in higher education institute at Jimma University College of agriculture and Veterinary medicine in Ethiopia, considering academic staff perception. The study mainly employed quantitative descriptive research design using cross sectional design also used qualitative approach. For data collection, pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire used. Considering 143 academic staff a population studied using census approach out of total 214 excluding those currently engaged in further study. Response rate was 81.8%. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis employed utilizing STATA 14. Major finding includes: willingness of knowledge sharing and discovery was at high level. Knowledge sharing, capture, utilization as well as organizational and IT infrastructure support was at medium level. Chi-square (χ2) test indicated there is association between knowledge capture, sharing, utilization, organization support, IT support and performance. However ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that only component knowledge utilization has positive and significant impact on performance. The study identified challenges in the practice of knowledge management such as inadequate fund, unsatisfactory documentation, inadequate support and cooperation consecutively. Thus college should spend more in knowledge management practice can improve innovation utilized in funding research, enhance team work, improving technology, motivate academic staff to retain and share knowledge. Keywords: knowledge management, knowledge share, Performance, Practice, Process