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Understanding and managing knowledge loss

Abdelkader Daghfous (Department of Marketing, School of Business and Management, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Omar Belkhodja (Department of Management, School of Business and Management, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Linda C. Angell (International Exchange Office, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)

Journal of Knowledge Management

ISSN: 1367-3270

Article publication date: 9 September 2013

5934

Abstract

Purpose

Research on knowledge loss is at an early stage of evolution. This paper seeks to extend the existent literature through an exploratory investigation of the drivers and impacts of knowledge loss, as well as associated retention strategies within manufacturing and service operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple research streams are used to explore and capture the complexities and intricacies of knowledge loss within four firms. The author follows a multiple case study approach with theoretical sampling of manufacturing and service firms.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that organizations should retain and diffuse architectural knowledge, improve strategic coordination among units, develop existing capabilities through different networking strategies and more effective networks, and transform these capabilities into effective organizational routines to mitigate knowledge loss and increase knowledge retention. Meanwhile, relying solely on standard operating procedures, information systems, and codification of knowledge in databases could undermine knowledge retention and lead to knowledge loss.

Practical implications

A comprehensive strategy to guide knowledge management efforts and actions should be adopted. Moreover, knowledge cannot be retained without the adoption of an integrative approach that comprises various strategies and without management commitment and drive.

Originality/value

The findings of this exploratory investigation add to the understanding of the knowledge loss phenomenon by showing that it is much more complex than was found in earlier studies emanating from various research streams. The paper proposes directions for future research.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Received 25 December 2012 Revised 12 April 201320 April 2013 Accepted 22 April 2013

Citation

Daghfous, A., Belkhodja, O. and C. Angell, L. (2013), "Understanding and managing knowledge loss", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 639-660. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-12-2012-0394

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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