The Role of Information Technology for Knowledge Management: An Empirical Study of the Indian Coal Mining Industry

Abstract

Coal continues to be a primary source of energy in many developing countries because of its low cost and wide availability. India is a future driver of global energy consumption. The Indian energy sector is largely dependent on coal and is currently undergoing an infrastructural overhaul to reduce dependence on imports. Information technology (IT) could facilitate knowledge management (KM) and contribute to growth of the Indian coal industry. We evaluated IT practices for KM at Coal India Limited (CIL), a state-owned behemoth that contributes 84% of India’s coal production. Managers (n = 118) were surveyed to evaluate impact of IT on efficacy of knowledge processes, managerial productivity and decision-making. The results revealed that IT facilitated decision-making, but did not improve efficacy of KM and managerial productivity; highlighting the need for streamlining IT practices. The lack of a) systemic adoption, b) reward for knowledge sharing, and c) facilities for knowledge sharing and storage, were the major barriers to KM. These findings could help frame guidelines to improve IT infrastructure and KM policy in mining organizations in India and other developing countries.

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