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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Ing-Long Wu and Jian-Liang Chen

This paper aims at defining a model to properly evaluate knowledge management (KM) value. Empirical studies have found little or no improvement in organizational performance…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at defining a model to properly evaluate knowledge management (KM) value. Empirical studies have found little or no improvement in organizational performance despite large KM investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The KM-driven performances are rooted in knowledge resources based on the knowledge-based view. Further, the KM-driven performances are mediated by business process capabilities. Organizational learning is critically complementary to KM for being a moderator to knowledge resources. A model was proposed for defining the performance with the relationships between these issues. A survey was conducted for collecting empirical data. Partial least squares was used for path analysis.

Findings

Knowledge resources lay a foundation on the KM-driven performance through the mediator of business process capabilities. Specifically, knowledge assets and process capabilities are two different but relevant drivers in a value creation process. The findings particularly provide evidence to explain the knowledge-based view and the mediator of business process capabilities.

Practical implications

While an organization owns important knowledge resources in the industry, it should dedicate its effort to the improvement of business process capabilities for well-achieving final performance. The KM-driven performance should be considered for both financial and non-financial indicators in a complementary manner.

Originality/value

Extant theories may provide inadequate methods to evaluate KM-enabled performance. This study attempted to define an effective model for this issue. This model empirically demonstrated its capability to work on this issue.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Colin C.J. Cheng and Dennis Krumwiede

Drawing on complementarity theory, the purpose of this study is to posit that social media use enhances the effect of supplier involvement on new product development (NPD…

2213

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on complementarity theory, the purpose of this study is to posit that social media use enhances the effect of supplier involvement on new product development (NPD) performance, while two key firm capabilities further enhance the moderating effect of social media use: market and technological knowledge-processing capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors used a longitudinal survey of 367 firms, from seven major manufacturing industries: information technology (22.1 per cent), automotive industry (19.6 per cent), chemicals (18.2 per cent), textiles (13.3 per cent), machinery (12.5 per cent), energy (10.1 per cent) and others (4.1 per cent).

Findings

The results support the expectation that social media use and two firm capabilities (market and technological knowledge-processing capabilities) enhance the effect of supplier involvement on NPD performance in terms of product innovativeness, market performance and financial performance. Interestingly, post-hoc analyses indicate that supplier involvement has an inverted U-shaped relationship with product innovativeness. In addition, social media use not only strengthens the positive effect of, but also alleviates the negative effect of, supplier involvement in product innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study provide new evidence that supply chain members’ use of social media better enables them to enhance their innovation performance with supplier involvement.

Practical implications

This study provides practical direction to help manufacturing managers enhance innovation performance outcomes of supplier involvement.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to the supply chain literature by empirically demonstrating the key enablers that increase the efficacy of supplier involvement.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2012

Sangjae Lee, Byung Gon Kim and Hoyal Kim

This study aims to analyze the relationship between KM infrastructures, knowledge process capabilities, creative organizational learning, and organizational performance. The

4844

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between KM infrastructures, knowledge process capabilities, creative organizational learning, and organizational performance. The primary research focus is on the relationships between the KM infrastructure, which includes cultural, structural, management, and technology related factors, and the knowledge process capability by elaborating on the significance of knowledge processes as the determinants of organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit of analysis is a company that has adopted a KMS. A mail survey was used to collect the data and an internet‐based survey was also used to provide more convenience in the response. The response sample included 120 responses. The structural relations among variables were tested using the partial least squares (PLS) method.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that collaboration, learning culture, top management support, and IT support affect the knowledge process capabilities. Knowledge process capabilities and creative organizational learning in turn mediate the relationship between KM infrastructure and organizational performance, which demonstrate the relevance of KM infrastructure for organizational performance.

Originality/value

Previous studies on KM have been fragmented in that they have explained some aspects of KM performance but have not provided a holistic view of a KM performance framework. Using a holistic view of the KM performance framework, this study has provided insights to KM for researchers because it explains the integrated aspects of KM performance by examining the relationships between the KM infrastructure, knowledge process capabilities, and organizational outcomes.

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Rouhollah Bagheri, Mohhamad Reza Hamidizadeh and Parisa Sabbagh

The current study aims to investigate the existing relationship between knowledge management (KM) infrastructures, KM process capabilities, creative organizational learning (OL…

Abstract

Purpose

The current study aims to investigate the existing relationship between knowledge management (KM) infrastructures, KM process capabilities, creative organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical population includes executives of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran. The 68 questionnaires were distributed among the census, of which 60 questionnaires were completed correctly. The research data were analyzed by SPSS and PLS software. The unit of analysis is a company that has adopted a knowledge management system (KMS). Target population of the research consisted of 85 top managers of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran (N = 85). Random sampling method was applied in this study, and 71 top managers were considered as the statistical sample based on the “Morgan Table”. One standard five-point Likert questionnaire was adopted and distributed between top managers in the park; 62 questionnaires were returned, among which 60 were statistically investigated. The structural relations among variables were tested using the partial least squares method.

Findings

This study shows that the KM processes can mediate between creative OL and factors in the KM infrastructure. The results of the study demonstrate that KM process capabilities have the most crucial role in creative OL. The results indicate a significant influence of the infrastructure capabilities on the process capabilities, also the impacts of KM process capabilities on creative OL and the impacts of creative OL on organizational performance was confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

Using a holistic view of the KM performance framework, this study has provided insights to KM for researchers because it explains the integrated aspects of KM performance by examining the relationships between the KM infrastructure, knowledge process capabilities, and organizational outcomes. Previous studies on KM have been fragmented because they only consider some aspects of KM performance rather than using a holistic view of the KM performance framework: they have examined the relationship between one or two facets of KM enablers and process capability, or between KM process capabilities and organizational performance.

Practical implications

In order to manage rapid change and global competition in business environments, knowledge workers should create new business opportunities and continuously question what and how they can contribute to these chances. Organizational KMS should support the learning processes of their knowledge workers.

Social implications

The continuous learning and experiments are necessary in order to produce new ideas and products: it is critical to emphasize the importance of a KM infrastructure that supports and encourages learning in organizations. The creative learning in turn affects organizational performance indicating that without learning, organizations cannot overcome the boundary of old business practices and adjust to change in environments.

Originality/value

Previous researches did not appraise the effect of KM and its capabilities on organizational performance, and the specific influence of creative OL was disregarded. The present study demonstrates the mechanism of KM effect on organizational performance and describes the comprehensive dimensions of KM performance.

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2011

Birinder Singh Sandhawalia and Darren Dalcher

Knowledge management (KM) needs a systematic approach to develop capabilities which accelerate the evolution of knowledge into a key organizational resource. This paper aims to

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Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) needs a systematic approach to develop capabilities which accelerate the evolution of knowledge into a key organizational resource. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the empirical findings of a case study offering insights into the infrastructure and process capabilities required to provide knowledge support for organizational routines and activities.

Findings

It also presents a four‐stage framework that helps to make sense of the development of capabilities during the implementation of KM initiatives.

Practical implications

The research moves KM capability development from being a mere concept to being a clearly articulated set of stages, which underpin organizational growth.

Originality/value

As above, the research moves KM capability development from being a mere concept to being a clearly articulated set of stages, which underpin organizational growth.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2018

Thi Nguyet Que Nguyen, Liem Viet Ngo, Gavin Northey and Christopher Agyapong Siaw

Drawing upon the resource-based view of the firm, this paper aims to develop and empirically validate a model that examines the relationships between technical knowledge

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Abstract

Purpose

Drawing upon the resource-based view of the firm, this paper aims to develop and empirically validate a model that examines the relationships between technical knowledge management infrastructure (TKMI), social KM infrastructure (SKMI) and competitive advantage provided by KM (CAPKM). The authors argue that KM process capabilities account for the direct effects of TKMI and SKMI on CAPKM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used partial least squares —structural equating modelling (SEM) to empirically test the hypotheses using a sample of 251 firms from an emerging economy. The results were then confirmed using the bias-corrected bootstrap procedure. The study also conducted two robustness checks including examining a competing moderation model and performing fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), a set–theoretic method that examines how causal conditions combine into all possible configurations of binary states to explain the desired outcome.

Findings

The findings show that TKMI and SKMI have positive effects on CAPKM. In addition, KM process capabilities mediate the direct effects of TKMI and SKMI on CAPKM.

Originality/value

This paper complements and advances previous research in several ways. Firstly, the paper develops a conceptual model that depicts the interrelationships between TKMI, SKMI, KM process capabilities and CAPKM. Secondly, this paper suggests the critical role of the “action” component (i.e. KM process capabilities) that capitalises on the KM resources in the creation of CAPKM.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Ross Dawson

Knowledge organisations perform knowledge processes, using their primary resources of intellectual capital, and their key input of information. Their effectiveness in performing…

9520

Abstract

Knowledge organisations perform knowledge processes, using their primary resources of intellectual capital, and their key input of information. Their effectiveness in performing these processes depends on their knowledge capabilities. In most cases these capabilities must be highly dynamic in order to respond to the changing environment of the organisation and resulting evolution of the required core knowledge processes of the organisation. All organisational development must be centred around developing those dynamic knowledge capabilities on an ongoing basis. The strategic capabilities of an organisation depend on its ability to process rapidly changing information and perspectives on the organisation and its business environment, so these are in fact high‐order knowledge capabilities. The development of organisational knowledge capabilities can be addressed most completely by considering the four fields of individual technology, organisational technology, individual skills and behaviours, and organisational skills and behaviours.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2012

Chun‐Ming Chang, Meng‐Hsiang Hsu and Chia‐Hui Yen

This study extends the viewpoint of “fit as holistic configurations” to explore how to use knowledge management (KM) processes and knowledge management system (KMS) capabilities

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Abstract

Purpose

This study extends the viewpoint of “fit as holistic configurations” to explore how to use knowledge management (KM) processes and knowledge management system (KMS) capabilities appropriately according to the tasks characteristics subunits perform in an aerospace manufacturer. In this regard, the aim is to develop four theoretical ideal profiles of KM processes (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) and KMS capabilities (codification capability and network capability) for organizational subunits based on their task characteristics: focused, process‐oriented tasks; focused, content‐oriented tasks; broad, process‐oriented tasks; and focused, content‐oriented tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was conducted at a knowledge intensive and engineering‐oriented aerospace company. Twelve functional subunits performing a variety of tasks were selected as the samples. The study employed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the subunits' task attributes. The authors collected data from 12 subunits, and a total of 212 valid questionnaires were analyzed. PLS‐Graph was used to assess the relationships of the research model.

Findings

The empirical support for the argument that the fit among KM processes, KMS capabilities and task characteristics can improve KM performance. Results reveal that fit significantly affects knowledge satisfaction, knowledge quality and creativity for subunits performing focused, process‐oriented and broad, process‐oriented tasks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reflect the fact that individuals within organizational subunits should use the four KM processes of appropriate levels to generate new knowledge to accomplish their tasks.

Originality/value

The study uses a multidimensional and multi‐item approach to test the effect of factors on KM performance, and is the first to identify ideal profiles of KM process and KMS capability for different organizational subunits.

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2019

Kadígia Faccin, Alsones Balestrin, Bibiana Volkmer Martins and Claudia Cristina Bitencourt

The purpose of this study is to identify dynamic capabilities in joint R&D projects, that enable them to successfully achieve knowledge creation and discover how they behave…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify dynamic capabilities in joint R&D projects, that enable them to successfully achieve knowledge creation and discover how they behave throughout the life cycle of a collaborative project, although this understanding could enhance the interorganizational knowledge creation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted 65 semi-structured interviews and utilized secondary data from a joint R&D project. The authors analyzed all data using the Gioia method.

Findings

The authors confirm that specific dynamic capabilities are needed to create interorganizational knowledge and discovered 11 knowledge-based dynamic capabilities (KBDCs) for successful innovation results in joint R&D projects. Gioia method allowed to discover that different KBDCs are necessary for the different phases of the project lifecycle. Additionally, the authors identify two microprocesses in which KBDCs are engaged in joint R&D projects, knowing that is a part of the sensing and seizing processes and synthetizing that is a part of the seizing process, and establish several KBDC microfoundations.

Research limitations/implications

We used retrospective interviews. This kind of interviews are impacted by the experiences of the respondents lived after they have participated in the joint R&D project.

Practical implications

Dynamic capabilities for collaborative knowledge creation and their specific microfoundations can help managers delineate their strategic practices and actions to achieve more sustainable, long-lasting results from joint R&D projects.

Originality/value

The authors improve Teece’s model and propose two microprocesses in which dynamic capabilities are engaged, that emerged in the context of a joint R&D project, knowing that is a part of the sensing and seizing processes and synthetizing that is a part of the seizing process, which supplement those already known: sensing, seizing and transforming. The authors tested the Gioia method, which is important for detecting dynamic capabilities; therefore, the authors propose a methodological advance that can contribute to future studies. The authors provide an interorganizational perspective on KBDC and a methodological view of the changes in KBDCs required for joint R&D projects.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2018

Umesh Kumar Bamel and Nisha Bamel

Strategic flexibility is largely considered a source of competitive advantage, yet strategic flexibility in relation to organizational resources and knowledge management (KM…

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Abstract

Purpose

Strategic flexibility is largely considered a source of competitive advantage, yet strategic flexibility in relation to organizational resources and knowledge management (KM) process capability is not well studied. To address this gap, this study aims to assesses the relationship of organizational resources (technical and social resources) and strategic flexibility through KM process capability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is built on the assumptions of the resource-based view and the dynamic capability perspective of firm. Two types of organizational resources – technical and social – were identified from relevant literature. Data were collected from 23 small- and medium-sized firms (family owned firms) using a 37-item questionnaire. In addition to descriptive statistics, multiple hierarchical regressions and bootstrapping were used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Findings suggest that organizational resources are positively and significantly related with strategic flexibility, and KM process capability partially mediates these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The paper adds to strategic flexibility literature by exploring and assessing the linkage of organizational resources with strategic flexibility through KM process capability.

Originality/value

Findings of this research may help organizations and practitioners in enhancing strategic flexibility of firm.

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