10 Practical findings from the deployment of an exploratory knowledge management framework

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to offer a practical lens grounded in the relatively unexplored industry setting of medical devices. The objective of this paper is to use two in-depth case studies to highlight the key findings of an exploratory knowledge assessment framework surrounding the areas of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and reuse. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretivist paradigm was followed while using two case studies. The study was developed over a three-year period using 36 in-depth interviews, document analysis and observation. Findings – At the case companies, these findings were concluded: Across groups, cross-functional sharing is siloed, which leads to a lack of knowledge sharing. Cultural issues, such as hoarding of knowledge, hinder knowledge management (KM) initiatives. Employees new to the organisation find it difficult to locate knowledge. Employees are dependent on their informal network. The implementation of several KM initiatives is hindered because staff do not have sufficient time. Knowledge reuse is not given attention when targets have to be met. Due to time issues and informal network dependence, there is a lack of formal systems use. There is a lack of ownership of knowledge. There are knowledge retention problems. The organisation does not know its employees’ skills. Research limitations/implications – The usual limitations of case-study research apply surrounding generalisability; however, the author has used best practice in the application of this study using the case-study literature. Practical implications – By exploring at firm level some of the factors associated with individual knowledge acquisition and providing empirical evidence, the study contributes to richer understanding of what should be perceived by potential knowledge recipients to enhance their acquiring knowledge from others. The research shows that for increased competitiveness, knowledge should be shared among organisational members and highlights some of the pitfalls of using KM systems to achieve this. Originality/value – The proposed framework offers a lens to organisations with which they could gauge their knowledge base and ask the how and why questions. This would improve awareness in the areas of knowledge acquisition, sharing, learning and reuse.

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