How knowledge management processes can create and capture value for firms?

What Can Managers Learn From Professional Poker Players About Decision-Making?

This paper aims to investigate how past decision-making experiences can improve future decision-making. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with profitable professional Poker players. The results point out that it is the knowledge background of the decision-maker that makes him make sense of the situations he experiences. The research findings allowed the identification of three mechanisms that facilitate and make future decisions faster and more appropriate based on past experiences: (1) memory, (2) reflection, and (3) tools and analytical approach. The research contributes by showing evidence that, when supported by analytical tools, decision-makers can improve the quality and speed of the decision-making process. For organizations and supply chains, the paper highlights the importance of recognizing patterns based on the past to make sense of the future. For operations management, in events like COVID-19, companies can take advantage of memory to enact over unprecedented scenarios, prevent disruptions, and recover.

Human capital in knowledge-based firms: Re-creating value post-pandemic

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In today’s volatile business environment, the competitive advantages of firms are temporary. The top management does not, and cannot, have all the answers to increasingly complex and rapidly changing problem situations facing their firms. Since the COVID-19 crisis, organizations have been under pressure to improve their knowledge management practices to continue creating value. Knowledge management capabilities are essential for business performance and competitive advantage. In order to ensure continuous value creation, we conducted research to identify various drivers and dimensions that were revitalized in the ongoing KM practices post-pandemic. METHODOLOGY: In this study, 81 research papers published between January 2010 and March 2022, have been examined from a knowledge management, human capital, and value creation perspective, aiming to understand how a firm can continue to create value before, during, and after the pandemic. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Our review identifies critical factors in knowledge management and value creation and how companies generate value by leveraging KM during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the research, the authors describe their findings in the form of a conceptual framework which deals with the various drivers and the factors within the KM architecture.

The impact of knowledge management on the quality of services in nursing homes

Introduction

Current management strategies in nursing homes (NH) aim to ensure effective knowledge management (KM) in order to provide both best possible services to residents, and care for staff in NH. Teamwork in NH is essential for effective delivery of the highest quality of services. As a result, NH are increasingly adopting KM activities to enable knowledge creation, storage, transfer, and implementation in an environment facing many challenges such as lack of staff, increasing demands, and expectations of residents.

Methods

In our quantitative study, we examined how two Slovenian state NH that adopted the E-Qalin quality management model (European quality-improving learning model) adapted their KM, and what impact their quality management system and KM activities actually have on the quality of services. Furthermore, we examined how two Slovenian private NH that have not adopted a certified quality management program (like ISO or E-Qalin) tackle the issue of quality of services from the KM perspective. The sample consisted of 80 nursing professionals. In every NH that is part of this study, teamwork is essential and every individual that was involved in our survey is part of a team. In our study, we analyzed relationships between individual variables using linear regression.

Results

We found a significant and positive relationship between knowledge creation, transfer, and implementation in NH with and without the E-Qalin certificate. We found a significant and positive relationship between knowledge storage and the quality of services only in NH without a E-Qualin certificate. It seems that when connecting multidisciplinary fields such as NH and KM, there is still a lack of awareness and knowledge on the topic of KM, which might be one of the reasons for some bias in the answers provided by respondents. We also found different teamwork approaches in NH with and without a E-Qalin certificate. Our research results therefore emphasize the need to gain additional insight into quality management and KM in the environment of NH.

Conclusion

Teamwork based on knowledge storage, transfer, the implementation of existing knowledge, and creation of new knowledge are essential for well-trained professionals and, as a result, contribute to continuous improvement in service quality. Implementation of KM is well received by NH, and enables them to better meet the needs and expectations of residents. More importantly, nursing staff also share and pass on tacit knowledge through teamwork. Finally, all of the NH in our study that implemented quality and KM activities noted an improvement in the quality of services that are offered to residents in practice. Our results indicate that the topic of KM in NH is interesting, and it has a positive impact on the quality of services in practice. However, the problem of awareness and knowledge on the topic of KM in the environment of NH still exists, highlighting the need for further research, additional insight, and dissemination of knowledge to every interested stakeholder functioning in the field of NH. The results of the study make an important contribution to the research of KM in NH, focusing on the transfer of tacit knowledge.

Impacts, lessons learnt and envisioning the future of firms under COVID-19 – implications for knowledge management

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the significance of knowledge management as a tool for firms to adapt to an ongoing unprecedented crisis. Moreover, in considering the knowledge-based view of the firm, the study will ascertain the impacts, lessons learnt and how firms envisage their future under the current unpredictable regime from the viewpoints of firm owners/managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative data collection approach was selected, with face-to-face and online interviews undertaken with owners/managers of 33 firms operating in Singapore.

Findings

The data analysis reveals as many as eight dimensions pertaining to impacts, lessons learnt and the envisioned future of the firms. The relevance of knowledge management emerged, for instance, in supporting firms and staff to overcome initial challenges after the crisis became apparent. Knowledge management was also an exemplar of lessons learnt, through new knowledge development, strengthening links with consumers, through operational skilfulness and awareness, as well as in explaining how firms envision their future. These findings also underscore key tenets of the knowledge-based view of the firm.

Originality/value

Conceptually, the proposed dimensions stemming from the three examined research questions, together with the propositions and theoretical framework, contribute to a deeper understanding of the links between knowledge management and how firms confront a severe crisis. Empirically, the findings’ highlighted associations with knowledge management elements to illuminate how firms address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the lessons learnt and the envisioned future of firms operating under severe crisis conditions.

Knowledge Management Processes and Performance: Key Role of IS Strategies in Knowledge Capture and Utilisation

This research examines the interrelation of knowledge generation (KG) and knowledge sharing (KC) and how they influence IT infrastructure (ITI) and strategic decision support systems (SDSS) to enhance business process performance (BPP) and firm performance (FP). Furthermore, the objective of this study is to emphasise the importance of applying information systems strategies (ISS) such as knowledge capture and utilisation to make better firm processes to boost firm performance in knowledge management process-intensive organisations. The study surveyed 261 Brazilian companies and used partial least squares path modelling to test the hypotheses proposed herein. The research findings showed that KG and KC influence ITI. Additionally, it also showed that ITI has full mediation in its relationship with KG and SDSS and partial mediation in its relationship with KC on the SDSS. Finally, BPP demonstrated full mediation in its relationship with SDSS and FP. The research findings contribute to firms understand how BPP and FP are affected through ISS embedded into knowledge and utilisation coupled with knowledge generation and sharing.

Unpacking knowledge management and organizational performance: a comparison between emerging and developing countries

Purpose

The study explores the impact of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) on knowledge management (KM) processes and the indirect relationship of KM processes with organizational performance (OP) via mediating the role of creative organizational learning (COL) in cross-cultural settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a survey structure of 784 faculty and admin personnel from higher education institutions in China and Pakistan. Smart-PLS, 3.2.9 was used to perform analysis.

Findings

The result shows a significant positive influence of KOL on KM processes and KM processes on OP via the partial mediating effect of COL in China, Pakistan and the overall sample. The multi-group analysis confirmed the substantial differential effect of KOL on KM processes.

Practical implications

Outcomes of this research affirm KM's university practice and recommend how higher education academics and administrators prioritize KOL, KM processes and COL while strengthening OP in a culturally different environment.

Originality/value

The current research is among the initial experiments to determine KOL, KM processes, COL and organizational (University) performance relationships in a culturally different environment. The study is among the initials that just not empirically explore the associations between the factors but sheds light on existing literature by immediately exploring COL's mediating position in China and Pakistan's HEIs.

The mediating role of employee creativity between knowledge sharing and innovative performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing firms in emerging markets

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between knowledge sharing (KS) and innovative performance (IP) through the mediating effect of employee creativity (EC) in the manufacturing industries operating in Gujrat, Pakistan. KS among employees and its resultant IP is considered as a basic challenge faced by the manufacturing industries in Pakistan. The main motivation of the current study is to research this significant however neglected segment of the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study used deductive approach. Social exchange theory and resource-based view framework were used to predict relationships between EC, KS and IP. Data were collected through five-point Likert scale questionnaire from 158 managers including engineers and operational staff selected through convenient sampling. Regression analysis was performed using the Andrew Hayes Process macros in SPSS.

Findings

The results showed that there is a positive and significant effect of the KS on IP. Moreover, the mediation analysis showed that EC positively mediate the relationship between KS and IP.

Research limitations/implications

The study target population is limited the single city where most of industries are located. This can be extended to other industrial areas of the country to increase reliability of the results.

Practical implications

The study holds a significant contribution to the understanding of the link between KS and IP by emphasizing the role of stimulating EC in organizations.

Originality/value

It was identified in the literature that there is a lack of studies in this context as current conceptual model has not been studied before in the context of emerging economies at large and very few studies conducted in case of developed countries with totally different institutional setup. To put forward the study by Lee (2018), this is the first study that investigates the mediation of creativity between KS and IP in emerging markets manufacturing industry.

The Relationship between Self-Confidence, Self-Efficacy, Grit, Usefulness, and Ease of Use of eLearning Platforms in Corporate Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This exploratory study contributes to the understanding of self-confidence as a predictor of self-efficacy, ease of use, and usefulness of eLearning platforms in corporate training. The present research explored the relationship among the employees’ beliefs regarding self-confidence, grit, ease of use, self-efficacy, and usefulness of eLearning platforms in their workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 307 responses from Romanian employees who used eLearning platforms in corporate training (females = 60.3%, males = 39.7%, age range of less than 24 years (12.1%) to over 55 years (6.2%)) were exploited for research. Data were analyzed through a path analysis model. Results indicate that grit (i.e., consistency of interest), self-efficacy, and perceived ease of use of eLearning platforms were considerably directly influenced by the self-confidence variable. Usefulness was directly influenced by the ease of use and was indirectly influenced by self-confidence. Mediation analysis indicated that full mediation occurs only through the ease of use of eLearning platforms variable in the relationship between self-confidence and usefulness. A unit increase in self-confidence will increase the expected value of grit by 0.54 units (t = 8.39, p < 0.001), will indirectly increase the expected value of usefulness through ease of use by 0.15 units (t = 2.39, p = 0.017), and will increase the expected value of self-efficacy by 0.53 units (t = 6.26, p < 0.001). In addition, perceived ease of use of eLearning platforms in corporate training fully mediated the relationship of usefulness regressed on self-confidence (β = 0.20, t = 2.51, p = 0.012). These novel results reveal the contributions of self-confidence, consistency of interest as a grit dimension, and ease of use of eLearning platforms in predicting lifelong learning solutions, which improve business outcomes. The related investigation and consequences were further considered.

Knowledge management processes, innovation capability and organizational performance

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a unified framework which integrates knowledge management processes (knowledge creation, sharing, storage and documentation and acquisition), innovation capability (product, process, marketing and organizational and organizational performance (operational, financial and product quality). Then empirically test the effect of knowledge management processes (KMP) on innovation capability (IC), the effect of IC on organizational performance (OP) and the impact of KMP on OP through the mediator (IC).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed and addressed to the general managers of the Jordanian companies making up the target population. Statistical techniques employed included confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 24 to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that KMP influences IC, IC affects OP and KMP impacts OP through the mediator (IC).

Research limitations/implications

The use of longitudinal data and comparisons with this study would provide further insights that would assist in generalizing knowledge related to the relationships among KMP, IC and Os' P.

Practical implications

If organizations fully comprehend KMP and IC, they would be able to implement them successfully, creating value for their companies and improving OP.

Originality/value

The existing research on KMP and IC is primarily conceptual and descriptive in nature, and empirical research confirming the real impact of KMP when developing IC is lacking. Also. the relationship between innovation capabilities and OP has not been adequately studied. Hence, this study introduces a conceptual framework which integrates KMP, IC and OP and simultaneously empirically tests the relationships among them.

Dynamic interactions among knowledge management, strategic foresight and emerging technologies

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the dynamic interactions among knowledge management, strategic foresight and emerging technologies, resulting in a framework that can help companies to shape these interactions for achieving positive outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on prior literature streams, which were interrelated through an abductive research process. This iterative conceptualization approach led to the formation of testable propositions that advance the understanding on the interactions among knowledge management, strategic foresight and emerging technologies.

Findings

The framework demonstrates the existence of an actions cycle between strategic foresight and knowledge management through a constructivist perspective, where one can improve the other. These interactions can be useful both for the development of emerging technologies and for identifying these innovations in market that can be applied in companies. Hence, all these dynamic interactions do not point to a hegemonic relationship of one construct over the others, but for the value equality among them.

Originality/value

Although current literature points to the existence of relationships among knowledge management, strategic foresight and emerging technologies, the dynamism inherent in these interactions as well as their positive effects for companies’ results are not properly discussed. This paper fills such a gap and proposes directions for future research.

Evaluation Model of the Integrational Relationship between Knowledge Management Processes and Business Processes

In a contemporary organization, knowledge management is rarely assumed to be a supportive activity. Knowledge management processes are rather assessed as being inseparable from other main organizational processes. Considering the up-to-date research, there are no doubts about the benefits of knowledge management. However, because of its wide internal and external dissemination, it is challenging to identify and assess its value both in its entirety and in its value created by its individual processes. In the interdisciplinary context of literature analysis of information and communication and management research, in this article, the authors present the integrative evaluation model of the relationship between knowledge management processes and business processes. The model is characterised by its wide organizational applicability and allows measuring the value created by knowledge management processes in a real business environment. The model integrates the processes of product development, manufacturing and sales, including their constitutional dimensions, metrics and indexes, respectively. All this enables determining the impact of knowledge management processes on the main business processes and the resulting organizational added value.

Fueling knowledge management processes in Chinese higher education institutes (HEIs): the neglected mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction

Purpose

Constructed upon knowledge-based view, the study examines the influence of internal marketing on knowledge management processes and the indirect association of knowledge management processes with organizational performance through mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample frame of 536 academic and administrative employees from higher education institutions in China; structural equation modeling was performed using Smart PLS 3.2.8.

Findings

The outcome reveals that internal marketing has a significant impact on knowledge management processes. The results revealed a direct insignificant impact of knowledge management processes on organizational performance; the study found full mediation of knowledge worker satisfaction on the linkage between knowledge management processes and organizational performance.

Practical implications

Outcomes of this research strengthen the universities’ experience of knowledge management and recommend how academics and administrators of higher education institute can value knowledge worker satisfaction, which in turn improves organizational performance.

Originality/value

Although, there is an increased significance of knowledge management in higher education institutions, there is a lack of research that examines the enabling factors and outcomes of knowledge management practices. The present study is one of the first studies to ascertain the relationship of internal marketing, knowledge management processes, knowledge worker satisfaction and organizational performance. This is one of the initial research studies that not only empirically examines the interrelationships among these variables but also enlightens insights into the current literature by instantaneous investigation of the mediating role of knowledge worker satisfaction.

Knowledge management processes, knowledge worker satisfaction, and organizational performance

Purpose

Drawing on the knowledge-based view, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the interrelationship between Knowledge Management (KM) processes, Knowledge Worker Satisfaction (KWS) and Organizational Performance (OP). Additionally, the study further seeks to identify the combinations of KM processes and KWS dimensions that can lead to enhanced OP.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 248 academics and administration employees of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The relationships were tested using SmartPLS 3.2.7. The study also employed fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) for examining configurational paths.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that KM processes significantly affect KWS and KWS enhances OP in HEIs. Based on fsQCA, the results revealed multiple configurational paths to improved OP.

Originality/value

There is significant lack of research that ascertains the inter-relationship between KM processes, KWS, and OP. This is one of the initial studies that examines the relationship of KM processes, KWS, and OP in HEI’s. From a methodological perspective, the study contributes by combining symmetric and asymmetric statistical tools in KM literature. fsQCA helps to understand the interactions that might not be immediately obvious through traditional symmetric methods.

Knowledge management in franchising: a research agenda

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive systematic review of knowledge management (KM) in franchising literature over the past 29 years.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of bibliometric citation analysis, ISI Web of Science (WoS) database is used to analyze articles from 1990-2018. A total of 169 articles by 369 authors across 40 countries published in 113 journals from 200 institutions were clustered and examined through HistCites and VOSviewer.

Findings

The exploration of KM in franchising is associated with 3 factors: governance structure; performance outcome; and franchise network growth. The findings also reveal that KM in franchising is still an emerging discipline encompassing conflicting results which offer potential for future research.

Research limitations/implications

Identified research gaps and contradicting views in the literature offer opportunities for researchers to contribute to this research domain by empirically testing the role of absorptive capacity, replication vs adaptation strategies and new franchising formats, such as micro/social franchising.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its examination of KM in franchising. It also highlights the value of knowledge in franchise chain performance.

Assessing the literature of knowledge management (KM) in the field of library and information science

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a bibliometric analysis of knowledge management (KM) literature published in the field of library and information science. KM is a systematic process of acquisition, extraction, organization and dissemination of knowledge in any organization. This study will help identify trends, emerging concepts and innovations in this particular field.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set of the study consists of 6,088 published documents the authors obtained from the ISI Web of Science database during 1900 and 2017. The analysis of literature about the library and information science consisted of five categories including productive institutions, prolific authors, annual publications, citations and highly cited articles. The documents included in this study include research papers, conference papers, reviews, book reviews and editorials.

Findings

The study found that the USA leads the world regarding the number of research publications in the area of KM in the field of library and information science. Considering the publication period, 2007, 2012 and 2016-2017 are the most productive years regarding publications in this particular field; the number of citations has been increasing over the years. The study also found that Nanyang Polytechnic University is the most productive research institution and Blanca Martins from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia is the most prolific researcher in this specific field.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of KM literature published in the field of library and information science. This study is an excellent example for researchers who are interested in conducting bibliometric studies.

From knowledge management to organizational performance

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effects of knowledge management (KM) enablers on KM processes in research universities and testing the direct relation between KM processes and OP. This study also proposes to examine the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC) and innovation in the relationship between KM processes and performance of universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 217 academic and administrative personnel from research universities of Pakistan, the hypothesized relationships were tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results reveal that KM enablers have a significant impact on KM processes. The results also indicate that KM processes influence organizational performance (OP) directly and indirectly through innovation and IC.

Practical implications

Findings of this study reinforce the corporate experience of KM and suggest how administrators of research universities and higher educational institutions can promote innovation and IC, which in turn enhance OP.

Originality/value

Despite the augmented importance of KM in higher education institutions or research universities, there is a dearth of studies that investigate the interplay of KM, innovation, IC and OP. This is one of the earliest studies that not only empirically investigate the interaction of KM enablers, KM processes and performance of research universities but also shed insights into the existing literature by simultaneously investigating mediating role of IC and innovation in the underlying relationship.

The Perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals Toward Knowledge Management in University Libraries

This study explores the general perspectives of library and information science (LIS) professionals on knowledge management in the university libraries of Pakistan. The study specifically examines the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of Pakistani LIS professionals toward knowledge management. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to evaluate the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of LIS professionals toward knowledge management. The questionnaires were administered to subject librarians who were included in the sample at the universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Generalising the findings of this study over the population of LIS community in Pakistan reveals that knowledge management is for the improvement of library services and productive purposes. Accordingly, the Pakistani LIS professionals use knowledge management practices for the improvement of their respective library service. The LIS community is also very familiar with the term “knowledge management”. It succeeded mainly to generalise that majority of the LIS professionals mentioned that they have used knowledge management in their libraries.