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Empirical results of academic librarians’ attitudes toward knowledge management in Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate librarians' attitude toward knowledge management in the academic environment of Pakistan. Personality characteristics and situational characteristics of behaviour were discussed in the context of a Pakistani university setting.
Design/methodology/approach
– This is quantitative research with closed-ended questionnaire as the tool for data collection. In data analysis, Pearson correlations of self-esteem, self-efficacy, threat and challenge with factors of knowledge management and Pearson correlations of experience with attitudes toward knowledge management were calculated. In addition, independent samples- t tests for gender and sector were applied.
Findings
– Significant positive correlations of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and challenges with librarians' attitudes toward knowledge management were calculated. On the other hand, research results proved that attitudes toward knowledge management had no relation with experience of librarians. Similarly, no gender wise and sector wise significant differences were observed in librarians' attitudes toward knowledge management.
Research limitations/implications
– This research suggests new roles, trends, and vocational settings for library and information science professionals in the field of knowledge management as the topic of future research.
Practical implications
– This research clarifies the personality characteristics and situational characteristics for knowledge management practices with special reference to librarianship and it contributes to the promotion of knowledge culture in Pakistan.
Originality/value
– This literary contribution is unique in the sense that it presents knowledge management perspectives in Pakistani librarianship. It is useful for decision makers who are involved in knowledge management attempts. It helps in selection of proper person for the proper task for knowledge management.
... Students and work professionals with no adequate expertise in computers remain unable to organize personal knowledge efficiently [17][18][19][20]. Digital skills have a strong positive influence on PKIM [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. Implementation of emerging technologies is required for efficiently managing PKIM [32][33][34]. ...
... Flood of online misinformation, lack of required resources, static content, traditional existing models, scattered information, concepts clarity problem, and lack of awareness about the potential benefits of knowledge management cause difficulty in implementing an efficient personal knowledge management system [2,17,31]. Changes in the industry, lack of required skills-set, shortage of skilled workers, the vast amount of scattered information, lack of social media literacy skills, heterogeneity of data, and subjective data are prominent challenges for the development of an efficient PKIM system [5,18,20,30,32]. ...
... Shah and Mahmood [31] 2013 ...
This study aims to identify the relationship between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management (PKIM) practices. It also intends to investigate trending tools and approaches being applied for PKIM for sustainable lifelong learning and organizational performance. It also reveals challenges for the development of an effective PKIM system. To meet the study’s objectives, a systematic literature review was carried out. Fifty research papers published in peer-reviewed journals were included to conduct a comprehensive systematic review. The findings of the study revealed that a significant positive relationship exists between IT self-efficacy and personal knowledge and information management for sustainable lifelong learning and innovative organizational performance. Social media tools, the adoption of emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence were trending techniques for the successful implementation of PKIM practices in academia and the field. This research has significant theoretical, practical, social, academic, and managerial implications.
... Contemporary organisations have realised the importance of KM, as an 'umbrella term' for organisational management (Früauff et al., 2015). Though previously considered a branch of management science with roots in library science, computer science and information science, KM has turned into a developed field (Shah and Mahmood, 2013). ...
... Choi and Lee (2003) defined the multiple dimensions of KM methods as (1) existing learningupdated learning, (2) innovators, explorers, exploiters and loner, (3) tacit and explicit orientation, (4) codificationpersonalisation, (5) conservative and aggressive styles, (6) cognitive and community styles. Horwitch and Armacost (2002) According to Shah and Mahmood (2013;5), the socio-cognitive aspects (threat and challenge) are historically related to KM. They draw on the value of individuals for organisations due to the knowledge they possess, hence making the KM effective through their retention. ...
... Most Asian countries have the common goal of moving towards a knowledge economy, whereas many are behind in their use of internet and information technology (Al Hawamdeh, 2005 (Shah and Mahmood, 2013). The position of Pakistan on the graph of KM is a question. ...
Knowledge management can play a central strategic role in
organisational life, potentially initiating from strategy planning to
performance achievement. The continuous adjustment of organisational
strategy and performance can be powerful in knowledge intensive
organisations such as think tanks. Think tanks are policy research
organisations, usually of small to medium size, and non-profit in nature.
The Pakistani think tank ‘industry’ is at an important tipping point in terms
of establishing knowledge ‘impact’ for the state and the wider society.
Think tank organisations are gaining dual attention for creating
awareness in society and suggesting policies to the state.
The central purpose of this research is to provide an explanation of why
and how knowledge management plays a role within think tanks,
especially with regards to organisations linking strategy and
performance. It also seeks to provide evidence from Pakistani think tanks
providing suggestions for organisational improvement that may be
applicable to think tanks in other developing countries. A thorough
literature review from the field of knowledge management includes
knowledge, knowledge management, and the strategic relationship of
knowledge management, organisational strategy and organisational
performance. Specifically, the research seeks to analyse knowledge
management in social sciences policy research think tanks based in
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The participation of eight think tanks
provided access for field visits to conduct interviews, observations and
document collection.
From the findings, it is recommended that consciousness towards
knowledge management can highlight the natural and independent
process to keep organisational strategy and performance improving
continuously in a cyclic manner. Knowledge resources with Pakistani
think tanks demand proper recognition and valuation, as they are
potentially being worth more compared to material resources. Amongst
the knowledge resources, cultural values and norms, multilingual skills,
‘friendly’ internal environments and leadership are found to be important.
The strength of Pakistani think tanks is in their Relational Capital, which
they appear to be utilising. Informal-Tacit knowledge management
practices are highlighted more in the context, though gaps do appear to
exist for formal practices. It is suggested that think tanks could further
enhance real visibility through their Relational Capital and making use of tacit informal practices leading to friendly, multilingual and effectively
leadership cultures with positive values. Think tanks have the potential
to help provide solutions during turbulent times, both leading and
managing knowledge – effecting a positive impact upon both state and society.
... So, it is suggested that LIS professionals should take an interest in KM and its application to offer state-of-the-art information services and facilitate improved retrieval and transfer of information (Dhamdhere, 2015; Siddike and Munshi, 2012). Moreover, they should consider technological, organizational, environmental and individual factors impacting KS practices of academic librarians (Nazim and Mukherjee, 2013;Shah and Mahmood, 2013;Islam and Khan, 2014;Siddike and Islam, 2011;khan, 2014). The potential areas of KM applications in libraries are found to be reference and information services, policy and decision making, administrative services, and planning of information service (Nazim and Mukherjee, 2013). ...
... Researchers disclosed numerous challenges confronting KM practices in the South Asian HEIs, such as culture of organization, trust, personality characteristics, personal qualification, motivation level, Country 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Bangladesh ---1 3 1 3 2 -I n d i a 2 -3 4 5 3 4 -4 4 Nepal ----1 (2016) Ranjan and Khalil (2007) training programmes and information technology, collaborative environment, HRM practices, motivational factor, reward, IT infrastructure, KM policies, communication channels, organizational policies (Abass et al., 2011;Adhikar, 2010;Agarwal et al., 2012;Bakshi, 2013;Islam and Khan, 2014;Islam et al., 2013;Khan,2014;Lodhi and Ahmad, 2010;Nazim and Mukherjee, 2013;Ranjan, 2011;Ranjan and Khalil, 2007;Sager and Kim, 2015;Shah and Mahmood, 2013;Siddike and Islam, 2011;Shahzadi et al., 2015;Shaikh and Aktharsha, 2016). ...
... Reference Count Individual Attitude, intention Islam and Khan (2014); Mostofa and Mezbah-ul-Islam (2015); Santosh and Panda (2016); Shahzadi et al. (2015); Yadagiri and Kumar (2013); Kumar (2015) 6 Awareness of KM Mostofa and Mezbah-ul-Islam (2015); Islam et al. (2015); Khan (2014); Nazim and Mukherjee (2013) 4 Trust in KM Santosh and Panda (2016); Khan (2014) 2 Self-efficacy and self-esteem Shah and Mahmood (2013); Shahzadi et al. (2015) 2 Individual motivation Shahzadi et al. (2015) 1 Job security Khan (2014) 1 Enjoyment in helping others Shahzadi et al. (2015) 1 Willingness for cooperation and collaboration Islam and Khan (2014); Mostofa and Mezbah-ul-Islam (2015) 4 Capacity to deal with change Poonkothai ( Qualified and skilled staff Mostofa and Mezbah-ul-Islam, 2015;Islam et al., 2015;Islam and Khan, 2014;Yadagiri andKumar, 2013, Rao, 2016;Kumar, 2015 6 Leadership and management support ...
The investigation reported in this paper intended to explore the research on knowledge management in higher educational institutions in South Asian countries. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, select and retrieve relevant scholarly literature, by following a detailed protocol and a systematic data extraction strategy. The findings of the study showed that limited research on knowledge management in the context of higher educational institutions was conducted in both theoretical aspects and practical implementations, denoting an imperative to conduct more research in this area. The findings also disclosed that multiple factors affect the knowledge management practices among primary higher educational institution agents: faculty, administrative staff, and information professionals. As the result of the analysis of the literature review findings, a conceptual framework is proposed, which is expected to provide a good foundation for future research as well as pave the way towards more successful knowledge management implementations in the higher educational institutions in South Asia and beyond.
... The results of the present study exactly match with previous finding (Sarrafzadeh, 2008). Both the study reveals that, according to most LIS professionals, KM can provide new career options to them, and KM is not a threat to them (Shah & Mahmood, 2013). In addition, in both cases, the respondents agreed that in certain ways, IT skills are necessary for the effective deployment of KM. ...
... The study's findings indicate that both males and females have a similar understanding of KM. In another study, found that respondents' opinions about KM are similar regardless of gender (Shah & Mahmood, 2013). The study also found that senior and junior library professionals have an equal understanding of KM. ...
Librarians contribute significantly to the efficient implementation of KM projects as custodians and disseminators of information within the organization. This research provides an overall picture of KM in private university libraries in Bangladesh. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the present status of KM practices in private university libraries in Bangladesh. Library professionals’ level of understanding of KM as well as the methods of recording knowledge in these libraries is also identified. This is a quantitative study. A structured survey questionnaire was distributed among the 11 private university library professionals of Bangladesh to collect primary data. The overall response rate was 89.1%. The collected data has been analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25 Software. The results revealed that there is no formal theoretical as well as practical application of KM in Bangladesh’s private university libraries. The library professionals’ understanding of KM is at a generally satisfactory level. The present study also suggests that the most frequently utilized methods to record tacit and explicit knowledge in these libraries are ‘Social interaction’ and ‘Journals’ respectively.
... Another direct impact that hinders the analysis of the sector is the lack of research focused on the management and sharing of knowledge in the dairy industry in general (Rahmatullah Shah and Mahmood, 2013). Therefore, identifying the barriers present in the dairy sector and understanding the root cause through the analysis of information collected in consolidated organizations in the sector can provide evidence of how KM can help overcome such challenges, according to some studies developed in the area (Arling and Chun, 2011;Corfield and Paton, 2016;Uden and He, 2017;Ensslin et al., 2020). ...
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to recognize the empirical inhibitors of knowledge management (KM)in value co-creation in the dairy production context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study undertook a qualitative multiple-case study strategy. The datas collected comes from five players in the dairy sector that jointly co-create value. In addition to in-depth interviews with the actors, this study considers complementary documents, with reports, management flowcharts. Content analysis was conducted based on Bardin (2011).
Findings
This study identified three empirical barriers for KM in managing value co-creation in dairy production. The inhibitors observed were related to ineffective communication among stakeholders, organizational culture and high competitiveness. This study identified that sharing and KM among actors is a way to stimulate innovative solutions via value co-creation in dairy production.
Research limitations/implications
This study explores the context in the Center-South of Brazil; therefore, it is not generalizable.
Practical implications
The findings help the managers to deal with the KM inhibitors in the value co-creation context and define actions based on the strategies listed to overcome the barriers identified in dairy production. This study can also help managers to change the mindset of organizations by adding KM to the organizational culture, as it identifies existing barriers in the sector and contributes by suggesting attitudes and tools capable of overcoming such difficulties.
Social implications
Professionals in the dairy sector, especially the small rural producer, can have access to knowledge and professional training through the value co-creation among actors in the dairy sector. In this sense, the milk quality, for example, the nutritional characteristics and traceability of the milk, can be improved for the final consumer.
Originality/value
This study reveals the empirical inhibitors of KM presents in the value co-creation in the dairy production context. Additionally, insights to deal with the lack of sharing information and knowledge among multiple actors.
... By addressing the explained literature inadequacies, this study makes theoretical and methodological contributions to leadership studies in HEIs. Theoretically, this study (1) provides a universal framework to evaluate the role of KOL in a knowledge-based organization, (2) extends the literary and contributes to the seminal work of Donate and de Pablo (2015) on KOL, Herzberg two factor theory (1966,1974) and the productivity theory by Drucker (1998Drucker ( , 1999 in HEIs through a practical demonstration, (3) benefits Pakistan HEIs by highlighting the value of KOL in fostering KWS, KWP and OP, especially when the study on knowledge management in Pakistan HEIs is fundamentally restricted and lack clarity (Shah and Mahmood, 2013;Sahibzada et al., 2020b). ...
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations among knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL), knowledge worker satisfaction (KWS), knowledge worker productivity (KWP) and organizational performance (OP). The study hypothesizes that the explicit mixtures, i.e. KOL, KWS and KWP can improve OP.
Design/methodology/approach
The study sample was composed of 248 academicians and management staff of higher educational institutes (HEIs). The relations were tested through Smart PLS 3.2.9. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was also used for examining configurational paths.
Findings
The study found a substantial direct influence of KOL on OP. The findings revealed that KOL significantly affects KWS, and KWS enhances KWP, which ultimately improves the OP of HEIs. Grounded on the fsQCA, the outcomes exposed configurational trails to the enhanced OP.
Originality/value
There is scarce of studies that determine the connection of KOL, KWS, KWP and OP. This is one of the preliminary studies that examine the association of KOL, KWS, KWP and OP in HEIs. From a procedural viewpoint, the research subsidizes by merging symmetric and asymmetric tools to further understand structural issues. The use of fsQCA discloses numerous paths to improve OP and renders asymmetric relations. fsQCA also aids to comprehend the relations that might not be directly understandable via symmetric means.
... Through the integration of KBV, we identify how KM processes are associated with KWS and performance in HEIs, extending the limited research on the linkage between KM processes, KWS and OP in HEIs. Additionally, with fundamentally restricted research on the performance of KM in Pakistan HEIs and with large majority lacking clarity about KM in Pakistan (Shah and Mahmood, 2013), the study will benefit Pakistan HEIs and help assess the role of KM in a worldwide context with existing research significantly limited to the developing economies and corporations in the west. Hereafter, the investigation attempt to connect the recognized gap and is unique as it were that it contributes further experiences to the hypothesis of KBV discourse in the arena of KM in HEIs by exhibiting that how KM processes and KWS increment OP. ...
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 is very important for LIS educators and professionals (Shanhong, 2000;Syed & Mahmood, 2013). Sarrafzadeh, Martin, and Hazeri (2006) indicated that there is a developing interest in knowledge management among LIS professionals, because: ...
Knowledge management (KM) has been an evolving field over the past 35 years. We have seen the field emerge from developing the institutional memory of the organization to increasing innovation to building more internal and external effectiveness. The Library and Information Science (LIS) community has had a great role to play in KM, and as we reflect on the progress of KM over the years, we can learn from our past and project towards the future. The aim of the paper is to present the overview: what is the history, what is the situation now and what is the future of knowledge management in the next five years.
... Roknuzzaman and Umemoto (2009) argued that to become a vigorous player in the market of knowledge management, the insertion of knowledge management content (education) in the syllabus of Library and Information Science schools is necessary. Rahmatullah Shah and Mahmood (2013) suggested that current situation of library profession requires including a number of elements of KM such as: "knowledge identification, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge storage, and knowledge application in the syllabus of LIS in Pakistan. Sattar Chaudhry and Higgins (2003) conducted exploratory study on a KM course and confirmed the necessity of insertion of basic themes of KM in LIS curriculum. ...
Purpose
Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging method of management. This study aims to explore the various aspects of implementing knowledge management in university libraries of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire and data was collected from 75 chief librarians and reference librarians of 48 university libraries of Pakistan. A total of 60 valid responses received and analyzed using SPSS version-21.
Findings
The results disclose that, a majority of respondents are familiar with KM and literature reading is the major source of their awareness. The Pakistani academic librarians believe that KM can be applied, in the reference services, resources sharing, networking, and information literacy programs of libraries. While, need for professional training and KM education are also reported. KM can be implemented in libraries through, use of ICT, developing knowledge sharing culture, and developing mentorship in organizations. A lack of staff training, lack of expertise in KM, lack of knowledge gaining and sharing culture, lack of understanding of KM concept and its benefits, and a lack of IT infrastructure are the major challenges faced by LIS professionals. Communication skills, information management skills, IT skills, leadership skills, human resource management skills are identified as key skills for the implementation of KM.
Practical implications
This study provides a base to develop a knowledge management strategy and implementation plan for academic libraries in Pakistan. It will facilitate to constitute an important step towards the management of intangible assets in Pakistani libraries.
Originality/value
The results of the study will unveil the perceptions of academic librarians towards KM. It will help to understand the relationship between KM and LIS. The study will also identify the challenges faced by librarians and skills required for the implementation of KM in libraries.
... Although, studies on knowledge management as it relate to librarianship is rich and elaborate, but study on perception and attitude of library and information science professionals toward knowledge management still remain scanty, as available literature and studies (Koloniari & Fassoulis, 2016;Naushad & Daud, 2015;Nazim & Mukherjee, 2013;Rahmatullah & Mahmood, 2013;Siddike & Munshi, 2012;Broadbent, 1998) were bias toward a particular type of library (academic library), or institutions without having national or universal view. Bridging this empirical gap orchestrated the reason why this study strive to explore the perception and attitude of library and information science professionals in Nigeria towards knowledge management. ...
Knowledge management can be closely linked with activities that overlapped with library practices. Lack of credence on how this two concept interwoven makes library and information science professionals to held distinct understanding of the concept knowledge management, most especially on how it relate to librarianship and information management, and at that, that there is no unity of consensus on which knowledge management definition should be considered universally acceptable. The study adopted a survey research design in exploring the perception and attitude of library and information science professionals in Nigeria toward knowledge management. Certified librarians in Nigeria (CLNs) constitute the unit of analysis and their total population stood at 5,437 from which a sample size of 3,000 was drawn using clustered random sampling techniques. Questionnaire is the instrument for data collection which was administered on a web-based platform, Proprofs survey maker (www.proprofs.com). But due to difficulties associated with web-based questionnaire, Only 389 participants respond to the survey, and a total number of usable, fully completed questionnaire is 369. Collected data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The study reported that LIS professionals in Nigeria perceived knowledge management as an allied field of study that expands the horizon of the profession, even though some still perceived it as another name for information management or librarianship in another cloth/case of old wine in new bottle. Most participants prefer IFLA definition of KM to other definitions. In order to embrace the opportunities and as well curb the threats of knowledge management to library and information science profession, the study suggested that regulatory bodies and library associations should educate professionals on the position of LIS professionals in knowledge management through seminars, research report, conference proceedings, symposiums and any other means at their disposal.
... Knowledge management plays important role in librarians work (Malhotra, 2000;Shanhong, 2000;Syed and Mahmood, 2013) especially in managing codified or recorded knowledge (Roknuzzaman and Umemoto, 2009). The using and sharing of knowledge can improve the quality of the service (Jantz, 2001) as well as the creation and maintenance of a learning culture. ...
... Although, attitudes towards knowledge management were not linked with librarians' experience and no sector wise and gender wise major differences were examined in librarians' attitudes (Rahmatullah and Mahmood, 2013). The majority of library professionals considers that KM creates new job opportunities and also helps in the development of libraries and the LIS profession itself (Sarrafzadeh, Martin, and Hazeri, 2006). ...
The aim of the present study is to explore the perception of Library and Information Science professionals in central universities about Knowledge Management and its integration into library practices.
The study is conducted through survey by using a web-based questionnaire. A well-structured both close and open ended questionnaire was administered to 75 LIS professionals who had been working in different central university libraries in North Indian States. The findings of the study indicate that LIS professionals’ attitudes about KM varied from one another and their understanding of KM concepts also differed from person to person. But, the majority of them were of the view that KM provides enormous opportunities for LIS Professionals. The paper presents an overview of the perception of knowledge management among LIS professionals, and commends that KM skills should be imparted among LIS professionals so that they can stretch their understanding, change their long lived schemas, and to apply a rounded approach to design of KM system and library practice.
The extent to which a university library achieves its objectives depends on the job performance of
librarians in the library. Previous studies established that librarians performed their job poorly as
shown by their low turnout of publications and inability to cope with job-related challenges in their
university libraries. This poor level of job performance could be attributed to the librarians’ lack
of self-efficacy and career management. The study investigated the influence of career
management and self-efficacy on the job performance of librarians in university libraries in SouthEast, Nigeria.
The study used the survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 210 librarians
from the 21 university libraries in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration was used to include all
librarians from the university libraries. An adapted and validated questionnaire was used for data
collection. Reliability test yielded Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.89 to 0.95. The
questionnaire was administered and a response rate of 96.67% was achieved. Data were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics.
Findings showed that career management and self-efficacy had a significant combined influence
on job performance of librarians in the universities in South-East, Nigeria (F (2, 201) = 54.868, Adj
R2 = .371, p< .05). Career management significantly influenced the job performance of librarians
in universities in South-East, Nigeria (r = .354, p< .05). Self-efficacy significantly influenced the
job performance of librarians in the universities in South-East, Nigeria (B = .609, t (2, 201) = 11.047,
p< .05). Findings also showed that librarians in universities in South-East, Nigeria had a high level
of job performance (M = 3.03 on a scale of 4 points). The level of self-efficacy of librarians in
universities in South-East, Nigeria was high (M = 3.12 on a scale of 4 points).
The study concluded that career management and self-efficacy were necessary to attain the best
possible level of job performance by librarians in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria. The
study recommended that the librarians’ level of job performance should be sustained by the library
management since it was found to be at a high level.
Knowledge is today viewed as a factor of production together with land, labour and capital It is of one of the innate inheritances endowed in every normal human being. Specifically, every individual has some level of knowledge. Knowledge sharing has multidimensional effects on a higher educational institution, such as improving work performance, among which creativity is one of the most important parts. This study aims to examine the effects of e-resource knowledge sharing among the members of academic staff college, Pondicherry central university Pondicherry. This study is the first research regarding the relationship between knowledge sharing and individual creativity, and it also identifies the mediating effects of knowledge sharing on individual creativity at an individual level in a higher education institution
Knowledge is today viewed as a factor of production together with land, labour and capital It is of one of the innate inheritances endowed in every normal human being. Specifically, every individual has some level of knowledge. Knowledge sharing has multidimensional effects on a higher educational institution, such as improving work performance, among which creativity is one of the most important parts. This study aims to examine the effects of e-resource knowledge sharing among the members of academic staff college, Pondicherry central university Pondicherry. This study is the first research regarding the relationship between knowledge sharing and individual creativity, and it also identifies the mediating effects of knowledge sharing on individual creativity at an individual level in a higher education institution
The aim of this paper is to provide a theory of the role trust plays in knowledge sharing processes, by exploiting a cognitive
model of the goals and beliefs of an agent involved in the decision of passing and/or accepting knowledge, and a related model
of the symmetrical or asymmetrical trust relationships within a group (Trust-Nets). This theory is based on the claim that
trust is a fundamental mediator in knowledge sharing, so as most authors studying Knowledge Management assert. Anyway they
do not analyse the relationship between trust and knowledge circulation theoretically, what is the objective of our work.
Considering knowledge sharing as a decisional act founded on two different socio-cognitive actions: to pass knowledge and
to accept knowledge, we build a cognitive model of agent’s mind when passing or accepting it, that is a list of his/her goals
and beliefs in accordance with which s/he decides if sharing knowledge or not; several of them are trust ingredients. Thus,
trust – as mental attitude (a specific set of beliefs and expectations) – comes into play in knowledge sharing process. However,
in our analysis trust is not only a subjective disposition (towards others) but it is also an act (the act of trusting somebody)
and a social (more or less stable) relationship. This is why we also analyse trust relations not in mental terms but in structural-relational
terms, as a net of “channels” for knowledge circulation.
Learning is the key to success—some would even say survival—in today’s organizations. Knowledge should be continuously enriched through both internal and external learning. For this to happen, it is necessary to support and energize organization, people, knowledge, and technology for learning.
Evaluation methods are essential for the advancement of research and practice in an area. In knowledge management (KM), the process of measurement, evaluation, and development of metrics is made complex by the intangible nature of the knowledge asset. Further, the lack of standards for KM business metrics and the relative infancy of research on KM evaluation point to a need for research in this area. This chapter reviews KM evaluation methods for research and practice and identifies areas in which there is a gap in our understanding. It classifies existing research based on the units of evaluation such as user of knowledge management system (KMS), KMS, project, KM process, and organization as a whole. The importance of considering differences across industries in assessing KM is also discussed. The chapter concludes by suggesting avenues for future research in KM and KMS evaluation based on the gaps identified.
This chapter defines knowledge and knowledge management (KM) and establishes its roots. KM is not a brand new topic; organizational learning and organizational memory are related topics that have been fields of research for many years. This chapter relates these concepts to a relational model that shows that the three topics are related and influence organizational effectiveness. Additionally, this chapter explains that KM has become a research area due to a confluence of trends that have made KM necessary and technically useful.
Examines the interdependent relationship of learning and the emerging discipline of knowledge management. Following a clarification of definitions, the common ground is explored in terms of structure, strategy, technology, leadership and environment. specific areas of intersection addressed include individual learning and KM; learning and communities of practice; learning and systems thinking; and learning and flow. a learning continuum is presented to illuminate the relationship between learning and the environment as change drives new knowledge needs.
The authors summarize 35 years of empirical research on goal-setting theory. They describe the core findings of the theory, the mechanisms by which goals operate, moderators of goal effects, the relation of goals and satisfaction, and the role of goals as mediators of incentives. The external validity and practical significance of goal-setting theory are explained, and new directions in goal-setting research are discussed. The relationships of goal setting to other theories are described as are the theory’s limitations.
In today's evolving marketplace, firms must increasingly focus on developing responsiveness to meet customer demands. In the pursuit of such rapid response to customer needs, firms often demand that other members of their supply chain reduce cycle times of key business activities. Although tight deadlines are commonly imposed by customers, little is known about how supplier firms respond to such time pressure. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to learn more about the phenomenon of time pressure in interfirm relationships and determine how firms cope with this common situational constraint. Grounded theory methodology was utilized to discover a time pressure coping strategies taxonomy that is driven by evaluative criteria such as the frequency, magnitude, and attribution of time pressure. The model that emerged from this research provides information about the potential costs of leveraging interfirm relationships in order to achieve supply chain responsiveness.
Current debates on organizational learning distinguish two distinct and mutually exclusive learning modes: exploration and exploitation. The paper deals with the concept of ambidextrous routines in knowledge management (KM) initiatives. The case study-based findings put this understanding into perspective, as the authors have identified KM initiatives that concurrently facilitate exploration and exploitation. The paper elaborates the characteristics of ambidextrous KM initiatives at micro-level; firms use ambidextrous KM practices to create a learning context, defined rather by guidelines and methods than by a definite purpose. The clear separation of KM initiatives' purpose (aim) and their embedded learning routines and methods enables them to be used ambidextrously. Furthermore, this analysis indicates that ambidextrous KM initiatives follow a path characterized by an increasing variety of purposes but a decreasing variety of underlying structures. Consequently, firms create a learning context that can be activated when necessary in ways required either in an exploratory and/or in an exploitative mode.
The articles included in the special series in this issue of
Developmental Psychology demonstrate that perceived self-efficacy for memory functioning is an important facet of metamemory. Self-beliefs of efficacy can enhance or impair performance through their effects on cognitive, affective, or motivational intervening processes. This commentary addresses a number of issues concerning the extension of self-efficacy theory to memory functioning. These include the following: the multidimensionality and measurement of perceived memory capabilities; the veridicality of memory self-appraisal; the efficacious exercise of personal control over memory functioning; the psychosocial processes by which people preserve a favorable sense of memory self-efficacy over the life span; and strategies for generalizing the impact of training in memory skills. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
in our discussion of emotion and dysfunction, we have intimated that emotions are instructive about persons because both emotions and the personality are organized around the problem of surviving, getting along, and flourishing over the life course
begin by addressing the question of what an emotion is / describe our own [the authors'] recent work directed at illuminating what we see as one of the important issues in emotion theory—the role of cognitive appraisal
embed this work in a general model of emotion, which identifies the key variables and processes within a systems framework emphasizing person-environment relationships and cognitive mediation
illustrate how emotion theory makes firm contact with a variety of topics currently being pursued across diverse psychological disciplines, especially personality and social psychology
the adaptational problem and the evolution of emotion / appraisal theory / personality, society, and biology in emotion (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Universities have historically encouraged individual academics with research expertise in a discrete area of study to undertake research and teaching in their discipline. In this process academics have had full autonomy, from the discovery of knowledge, the method used to integrate and interpret it, and the means used to convey it to students and to assess student learning. In recent times pressures for change have affected universities. First, business requires graduates with broad knowledge and skill capabilities as well as discipline-based content knowledge. Second, universities are required to demonstrate quality control and improvement. Third, private expenditure has replaced a previous almost complete reliance on publicly provided university places. Finally, technological advance has made possible more flexible and innovative learning opportunities. It is argued in this paper that these changes require a new culture of collaboration to supplement academic autonomy. Academics are required to collaborate across disciplines. Cross-functional collaboration is required between academic and non-academics. In so doing the paper calls for university structures and practices that support collaboration.
This paper argues that e-teaching, the use of computers and information technology in teaching, can pose moral threats to the legitimacy of the educational process. One of the reasons for this is the strong relation between e-teaching and business interests. The paper will discuss this relationship and why it can be perceived as a moral threat. Briefly, the paper argues that the necessary legitimacy that education enjoys in a high degree is a result of the ethical quality of education. This ethical legitimacy depends on the impartiality of different views and on the fact that all legitimate stakeholders have equal possibilities of influencing the content and processes of education. This equality and impartiality is jeopardized when one stakeholder threatens to dominate the system. This, it is argued, is what threatens to happen when business interests take over as a result of the increasing use of e-teaching.
The purpose of this research is to develop an understanding of the factors that support or constrain the individual's sharing knowledge in the organization. The current study seeks to explore whether personality (self-efficacy and self-esteem) and situational (cognitive appraisal: threat versus challenge) characteristics influence participants' knowledge sharing in the organization. The research was conducted during the summer semester of the 2009 academic year and encompassed two main groups of Israeli librarians: academic librarians and public librarians. The study used five questionnaires: a personal details questionnaire, perceptions towards knowledge management questionnaire, a cognitive appraisal questionnaire measuring threat versus challenge, a self-efficacy questionnaire, and a self-esteem questionnaire. The results show that personality and situational characteristics influence participants' knowledge sharing in the organization. The findings may have theoretical as well as practical implications.
Purpose
Organizations and businesses have evolved tremendously during the last years. Previously, the focus of organizations was on goods and production, however, later on this perspective has changed to a more knowledge and intellectual capital focus nowadays. As such, concepts of organizational knowledge and know‐how, as well as stakeholders and society rights are increasingly being raised and discussed in recent studies. This paper aims to present the fundamental questions on the importance of undertaking sustainable development roles by organizations and the effects that it can have on the organizations. The paper will also discuss how organizations can benefit from acting to their sustainable development roles and consider it as a means of competitive advantage, rather than an organizational threat.
Design/methodology/approach
In‐depth literature review as well as years of experience of authors in the field has been used to develop this research.
Findings
It is concluded that despite some initial limitations for the organizations in undertaking their sustainable development roles, they will benefit from the positive image that is created for their organization as well as other benefits and competitive advantages in the long run.
Practical implications
It is necessary for organizations to be aware of their sustainable development roles and undertake their responsibilities toward the society.
Originality/value
After the recent global economic meltdown, the question whether sustainability and organizational commitments toward sustainable development can help organizations gain a competitive advantage to better survive in the challenging world of today, is yet to be further discussed. This paper is an attempt to investigate this in more detail.
This study was conducted to assess the predictive utility of self-esteem and dispositional optimism to postpartum depression. Forty-five British women completed standard measures of self-esteem, optimism, and postpartum depression several weeks before childbirth. Depression was again measured at two and six weeks postpartum. Optimism was associated with less depressive symptoms during pregnancy and at two weeks postpartum, while self-esteem was associated with lower depression over all three administrations. After controlling for optimism and earlier levels of depressive symptoms, self-esteem remained associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms two weeks postpartum. This suggests that self-esteem and not optimism appears to be a reliable contributing factor to the differential susceptibility to depression in the early postpartum period. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Forming virtual organizations (VOs) is a new workplace strategy that is also needed to prepare information, technology, and knowledge workers for functioning well in inter-organizational teams. University information studies programs can simulate VOs in courses and teach certain skill sets that are needed in VO work: critical thinking, analytical methods, ethical problem solving, stakeholder analysis, and writing policy are among the needed skills and abilities. Simulated virtual teams allow participants to learn to trust team members and to understand how communication and product development can work effectively in a virtual workspace. It is hoped that some of these methods could be employed in corporate training programs also.In an innovative course, inter-university VOs were created to develop information products. Groups in four geographically dispersed universities cooperated in the project; at its conclusion, students answered a self-administered survey about their experience. Each team’s success or difficulties were apparently closely related to issues of trust in the team process. Access to and ease of communication tools also played a role in the participants’ perceptions of the learning experience and teamwork.
This article explores what knowledge management is and what relevance it has to organizations and the people who work in or with them. Taking a broad definition of knowledge, it raises a number of questions concerning knowledge management as a source of competitive advantage and questions our conceptualization of ‘knowledge’. We provide a brief review of the field and raise a number of challenges for managers. From this emerges an agenda for the development of action-orientated goals for managers, organizations and networks of organizations. These include the formulation and implementation of strategies for developing, acquiring and applying knowledge, and the monitoring and evaluation of knowledge assets and processes for the their effective management.
Knowledge management approaches have been broadly considered to entail either a focus on organizing communities or a focus on the process of knowledge creation, sharing, and distribution. While these two approaches are not mutually exclusive and organizations may adopt aspects of both, the two approaches entail different challenges. Some organizational cultures might be more receptive to the community approach whereas others are more receptive to the process approach. Although culture has been widely cited as a challenge in knowledge management initiatives and many studies have considered the implications of organizational culture on knowledge sharing, few empirical studies address the influence of culture on the approach taken to knowledge management. Using a case study approach to compare and contrast the cultures and knowledge management approaches of two organizations, the study suggests the ways in which organizational culture influences knowledge management initiatives as well as the evolution of knowledge management in organizations. Whereas in one organization, the KM effort became little more than an information repository, in the second organization, the KM effort evolved into a highly collaborative system fostering the formation of electronic communities.
The concepts of customer relationship management (CRM) and knowledge management (KM) both focus on allocating resources to supportive business activities in order to gain competitive advantages. CRM focuses on managing the relationship between a company and its current and prospective customer base as a key to success, while KM recognizes the knowledge available to a company as a major success factor. From a business process manager’s perspective both the CRM and KM approaches promise a positive impact on cost structures and revenue streams in return for the allocation of resources. However, investments in CRM and KM projects are not without risk, as demonstrated by many failed projects. In this paper we show that the benefit of using CRM and KM can be enhanced and the risk of failure reduced by integrating both approaches into a customer knowledge management (CKM) model. In this regard, managing relationships requires managing customer knowledge – knowledge about as well as from and for customers. In CKM, KM plays the role of a service provider, managing the four knowledge aspects: content, competence, collaboration and composition. Our findings are based on a literature analysis and six years of action research, supplemented by case studies and surveys.
Many scholars and practitioners claim that a supportive organizational culture can enable the successful implementation of knowledge management (KM) technology initiatives. However, little empirical research has been conducted to define the key organizational culture attributes that support more effective application of KM technologies. In this study, the 44 cultural attributes of the organizational culture profile (OCP) and the knowledge management technology profile (KMTP) instruments were used to identify and rank the most critical organizational culture attributes that promote knowledge sharing and KM technology implementation success. Data were collected from 26 US organizations that were implementing KM. The results of the data analysis revealed sufficient evidence to establish a correlation between specific cultural attributes and the successful implementation of knowledge management technology and knowledge sharing.
We analyze the value placed by rational agents on self-confidence, and the strategies employed in its pursuit. Confidence
in one's abilities generally enhances motivation, making it a valuable asset for individuals with imperfect willpower. This
demand for self-serving beliefs (which can also arise from hedonic or signaling motives) must be weighed against the risks
of overconfidence. On the supply side, we develop a model of self-deception through endogenous memory that reconciles the
motivated and rational features of human cognition. The resulting intrapersonal game of strategic communication typically
leads to multiple equilibria. While “positive thinking” can improve welfare, it can also be self-defeating (and nonetheless
pursued).
REPORTS 2 STUDIES DESIGNED TO TEST PREDICTIONS FROM THE HYPOTHESIS THAT INDIVIDUALS OF HIGH SELF-ESTEEM TEND TO IMPLEMENT SELF WHEN MAKING AN OCCUPATIONAL CHOICE WHEREAS INDIVIDUALS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM DO NOT. 14 SPECIFIC PREDICTIONS WERE MADE AND SUPPORTED FROM THIS GENERAL HYPOTHESIS. IMPLICATIONS FOR ABILITY, SELF-EVALUATION, AND SUCCESSFUL ROLE PERFORMANCE ARE SUGGESTED. (18 REF.)
The authors summarize 35 years of empirical research on goal-setting theory. They describe the core findings of the theory, the mechanisms by which goals operate, moderators of goal effects, the relation of goals and satisfaction, and the role of goals as mediators of incentives. The external validity and practical significance of goal-setting theory are explained, and new directions in goal-setting research are discussed. The relationships of goal setting to other theories are described as are the theory's limitations.
Physicians with more experience are generally believed to have accumulated knowledge and skills during years in practice and therefore to deliver high-quality care. However, evidence suggests that there is an inverse relationship between the number of years that a physician has been in practice and the quality of care that the physician provides.
To systematically review studies relating medical knowledge and health care quality to years in practice and physician age.
English-language articles in MEDLINE from 1966 to June 2004 and reference lists of retrieved articles.
Studies that provided empirical results about knowledge or a quality-of-care outcome and included years since graduation or physician age as explanatory variables.
We categorized studies on the basis of the nature of the association between years in practice or age and performance.
Overall, 32 of the 62 (52%) evaluations reported decreasing performance with increasing years in practice for all outcomes assessed; 13 (21%) reported decreasing performance with increasing experience for some outcomes but no association for others; 2 (3%) reported that performance initially increased with increasing experience, peaked, and then decreased (concave relationship); 13 (21%) reported no association; 1 (2%) reported increasing performance with increasing years in practice for some outcomes but no association for others; and 1 (2%) reported increasing performance with increasing years in practice for all outcomes. Results did not change substantially when the analysis was restricted to studies that used the most objective outcome measures.
Because of the lack of reliable search terms for physician experience, reports that provided relevant data may have been missed.
Physicians who have been in practice longer may be at risk for providing lower-quality care. Therefore, this subgroup of physicians may need quality improvement interventions.
Knowledge management is a fragmented field, whether of necessity or of design. In this chapter, we present and discuss data that maps out a number of the characteristics of the field. We then discuss trends that indicate how knowledge management is evolving into a discipline in its own right and present some thoughts on what the dominant characteristics of that discipline need to be.
Managing and transferring knowledge - at the right time, in the right place and with the right quality for customers - enables companies to survive in times of fierce competition. The focus of this work is therefore on Knowledge Management and Customer Relationship Management. The theoretical part comprises several approaches to knowledge, its transfer and the barriers to be overcome when sharing knowledge. This is followed by a description of CRM and CKM (Customer Knowledge Management), outlining how crucial their successful use is. The practical part explores on the one hand the dependence on knowledge and on the other hand its availability for a good customer relationship. It includes a case study that investigates both the administrative and the operational area of a concrete company. The survey results are then discussed in detail, key success factors identified and mistakes pointed out. After this critical analysis, final recommendations are given that every company can benefit from.
Knowledge management (KM) approaches have been broadly considered to entail either a focus on organizing communities or a focus on the process of knowledge creation, sharing, and distribution. While these two approaches are not mutually exclusive and organizations may adopt aspects of both, the two approaches entail different challenges. Some organizational cultures might be more receptive to the community approach, whereas others may be more receptive to the process approach. Although culture has been cited widely as a challenge in knowledge management initiatives, and although many studies have considered the implications of organizational culture on knowledge sharing, few empirical studies address the influence of culture on the approach taken to knowledge management. Using a case study approach to compare and contrast the cultures and knowledge management approaches of two organizations, the study suggests ways in which organizational culture influences knowledge management initiatives as well as the evolution of knowledge management in organizations. Whereas in one organization, the KM effort became little more than an information repository, in the second organization, the KM effort evolved into a highly collaborative system fostering the formation of electronic communities.
We searched MEDLINE (Ovid Technologies, 1966 to June 2004; English language) for terms describing physician experience (keywords: physician age, clinician age, physician experience, clinician experience), physician demographic characteristics (keywords: physician characteristics, clinician characteristics), practice variation (subject heading: physician's practice patterns), and performance in various domains (subject headings: clinical competence, health knowledge, attitudes and practice, outcomes assessment[health care]; keywords: knowledge, guideline adherence, appropriateness, outcomes). We retrieved potentially relevant articles and reviewed their reference lists to identify studies that our search strategy may have missed (Figure 1). We also searched our personal archives to identify additional studies. We included studies if they 1) were original reports providing empirical results; 2) measured knowledge, guideline adherence, mortality, or some other quality-of-care process or outcome; and 3) included years since graduation from medical school, years since certification, or physician age as a potential explanatory variable. We excluded studies if they described practice variation that is not known to affect quality of care (for example, assessed test-ordering behavior in clinical situations where optimal practice is unknown) or evaluated the performance of fewer than 20 physicians. For studies that examined several different end points, we included only those outcomes that are linked to knowledge or quality of care.
We used a standardized data extraction form to obtain data on study design and relevant results. We categorized studies into 4 groups on the basis of whether they evaluated knowledge (for example, knowledge of indications for blood transfusion), adherence to standards of care for diagnosis, screening, or prevention (for example, adherence to preventive care guidelines), adherence to standards of care for therapy (for example, appropriate prescribing), or health outcomes (for example, mortality). We classified the results of each study into 6 groups on the basis of the nature of the association between length of time in practice or age and performance: consistently negative, partially negative, no effect, mixed effect, partially positive, and consistently positive. “Consistently negative” studies were those for which all reported outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in performance with increasing years in practice or age. “Partially negative” studies showed decreasing performance with increasing experience for some outcomes and no association for others. We used similar definitions for “consistently positive” and “partially positive” studies. “Concave” studies found performance to initially improve with years in practice or age, then peak, and subsequently decrease.
The aim of the paper is to discuss a new subject called personal knowledge management and to compare it with the better-known concept information literacy. Firstly, the paper describes and discusses the course called personal knowledge management. People from three institutions, the Library of the Aarhus Business School, the Centre of Science, Communication and Mediation at Aarhus Business School and the Royal School of Library and Information Science, have de- signed the course. It has been offered twice as part of a MBA module in the autumn 2002 and 2003. The intention of the course is to teach the participants partly how to manage information in such a way that it supports a learning process, and partly how to negotiate with the colleagues about the information needs, locate the information, and mediate it in such a way that the colleagues will use it. At the end of the course the participants construct aknowledge map´. The course has got a very positively reception. Secondly, the paper compares the course of personal knowledge management with the concept of informa- tion literacy. There exist a number of different definitions of the last concept. In one of them, information literacy is broadly defined as the ability to recognise information needs and to identify, evaluate and use information effectively. In this definition information literacy seems to be related to an individual perspec- tive, which means that the individual identifies, evaluates and uses the information without any interaction with other people. However, in some of the other definitions the concept has got a communicative perspec- tive. Christine Bruce has found seven faces of information literacy and some of these refer to the influences of the communication for the identification and evaluation of information. The course called personal knowl- edge management gives a priority to this communicative approach. The paper concludes that compared with the definitions of information literacy personal knowledge man- agement highlights two elements. Firstly, it emphasizes that the individual learns how to structure the infor- mation. Secondly, it underlines the influences of the communication for the identification of information. We can find track of both elements in the definitions of information literacy, but often in an implicit way. The
We explore the causal links between service firms’ knowledge investments, their innovation outputs and business growth based on a bespoke survey of around 1100 UK service businesses. We combine the activity based approach of the innovation value chain with firms’ external links at each stage of the innovation process. This introduces the concept of ‘encoding’ relationships through which learning improves the effectiveness of firms’ innovation processes. Our econometric results emphasise the importance of external openness in the initial, exploratory phase of the innovation process and the significance of internal openness (e.g. team working) in later stages of the process. In-house design capacity is strongly linked to a firm's ability to absorb external knowledge for innovation. Links to customers are important in the exploratory stage of the innovation process, but encoding linkages with private and public research organisations are more important in developing innovation outputs. Business growth is related directly to both the extent of firms’ service innovation as well as the diversity of innovation, reflecting marketing, strategic and business process change.Highlights► We explore the causal links between knowledge investment, innovation outputs and business growth based in UK service businesses. ► This introduces the concept of ‘encoding’ relationships through which learning improves the effectiveness of firms’ innovation processes. ► External openness is important in the exploratory phase of the innovation process and internal openness (e.g. team working) in later stages of the process. ► Business growth is related directly to both the extent of firms’ service innovation as well as the diversity of their innovation.
This paper presents a framework based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology to select the most appropriate set of Knowledge Management (KM) tools to support the innovation processes in organizations. The framework builds on the theoretical foundations underlying organizational KM to identify key KM processes enabling innovation. The AHP is a multi-criteria decision support technique that can be used to analyse and compare those KM tools that best support innovation processes. Organizations can select the most suitable KM tool by using the proposed framework to identify gaps and overlaps in the extent to which the capabilities provided and utilized by their current KM tools portfolio meet the KM needs of the organization to sustain the innovation. The main contributions of this work are the list of KM processes to support an innovation activity and the hierarchy of importance of such processes able to support the selection process of a KM tool. The framework can be of use to managers and other practitioners because of its ease of implementation. An illustrative example of a case study for the application of the framework is provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The library will play a very crucial role in the extension and modification of knowledge. The growing need for knowledge management has influenced every component and operation of a library. Knowledge management requires more effective methods of information handling, speedy transfer of information and linking of information with individuals and their activities. It demands library patron centered development of information systems and services and customization of information at the individual level. Libraries have been thought of as being expert at collecting and organizing published information. This paper is intended to be an overview to assist knowledge management in terms of its relevance for library and information science professionals. Development of information technology (IT) and its applications in Library and Information Centers, the concept of document management has been changed to information management and again the entire scenario of information management has started its change to knowledge management (KM). This paper mainly focuses on the concept of knowledge management and the role of library and information professionals in managing the knowledge and information in the digital environment. It also highlights the importance of library and information professionals in the organizations such as knowledge creation, acquisition, preservation and sharing knowledge and information. This paper also describes the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the library and information centers.
Evolving information and knowledge has impacted all organisations, including academic libraries. This has made knowledge management become important. The conventional function of academic libraries is to collect, process, disseminate, store and utilise information to provide service to the university community. However, the environment in which academic libraries operate today is changing. Academic libraries are part of the university and its organisational culture. Whatever affects universities has an impact on academic libraries. As a result, the role of academic libraries is changing to provide the competitive advantage for the parent universities. The success of academic libraries depends on their ability to utilise information and knowledge of its staff to better serve the needs of the academic community. This requires academic librarians to reappraise their functions, expand their roles and responsibilities to effectively contribute and meet the needs of a large and diverse university community. Knowledge management is a viable means in which academic libraries could improve their services in the present knowledge era. This is a report of the results of a case study conducted to establish the ways in which the academic librarians of the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg Libraries could add value to their services by engaging with knowledge management.
In today's digital economy, knowledge manegment is critical to the success of many organizations. This paper is based on a research which examined the practices of knowledge management in Turkish large companies. The research sample was 214 Turkish organizations. Data were obtained by questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS. The main findings revealed that the majority of respondents believed that their knowledge management system was very important to the development of their organizations, and that the most important sources of ideas come from customers. The most important method used by Turkish organizations to facilitate the sharing of knowledge between employees was internet. This research produces some useful insights and leaving a number of issues for future research.
By building on a knowledge-based view of the firm, this paper addresses a relatively unexplored area of roles and dynamics of corporate governance in younger, threshold firms that are undergoing a transition from the emergence to the professional management stage. Our analysis is focused on the process of capability development, exploring the effect of the asymmetry in knowledge that often exists between directors and senior managers on the governance of threshold firms. We examine the key sources of this asymmetry, explore ways directors and senior executives learn, and then discuss the implications of this learning on the evolution of governance systems in the threshold firm. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2004.
Facing such a fast-changing environment, an organization should be more market-driven and learning-oriented. It is believed that a learning organization (LO) is apt to develop and maintain its own competitiveness rather than that without learning ability. Even though many studies have been addressing the importance of LO and the plausible relationship with competitiveness, the incoming impacts of knowledge have force them to focus attentions on knowledge-intensive industry (KII). Managing change is the high priority for continuing education institutes (CEIs), one of KII in Taiwan, coping simultaneously with diversified market needs and limited resources. Prior literatures, however, concerned with strategy-performance relationship have been oversimplified the contextual effects. Therefore, this study decides to develop a conceptual framework with an adaptation of Prajogo and Sohal’s model to describe the missing linkage in context of environment-strategy-performance (ESP). To serve as benchmarking, we further introduce an integrated model named ‘the Learning Organization Pyramid’ (LOP) for facilitating a good understanding of LO and CE system. This study finally concludes that a LO would be the best solution for KII to bridge the gap in terms of system planning.
There has been a growing interest in examining the factors that support or hinder one's knowledge sharing behavior in the virtual communities. However, still very few studies examined them from both personal and environmental perspectives. In order to explore the knowledge sharing behaviors within the virtual communities of professional societies, this study proposed a social cognitive theory (SCT)-based model that includes knowledge sharing self-efficacy and outcome expectations for personal influences, and multi-dimensional trusts for environmental influences. The proposed research model was then evaluated with structural equation modeling, and confirmatory factor analysis was also applied to test if the empirical data conform to the proposed model.
This article reports on a qualitative study concerning the use of interactive whiteboard (IWB) technology in the teaching of English for Academic Purposes (EAP)/Study Skills to international students. The study was carried out at a British University in the summers of 2003 and 2004. Its primary aim was to throw detailed light on the potential of IWB technology for supporting the language learning process in the context in question. Research data were collected via a variety of ethnographic research instruments, namely classroom observations and feedback from critical colleagues, teacher’s field notes, video recording of classes, semi-structured interviews with students, and pre- and post-course student questionnaires. The research findings reveal several perceived pedagogical benefits of using the technology in this context. This article focuses specifically on the ACTIVote component of IWB technology and discusses data which reveal the potential of this technology to assist learners in their language learning processes by allowing them to check their performance and their standing amongst peers in a way that preserves their privacy.
The factors influencing KMS usage are of major concern to the MIS community. Among the diverse theories employed to help understand this is task technology fit (TTF), which considers the needed technological characteristics of the task as a major factor determining usage. This theory, however, ignores the personal cognition dimension, which has been found to affect the use of an IS. By integrating TTF and social cognitive theory (SCT), we attempted to determine the key factors affecting KMS usage in IT, the organizational task, and personal cognition. Through a survey of 192 KMS users, task interdependence, perceived task technology fit, KMS self-efficacy, and personal outcome expectations were found to have substantial influences on KMS usage. Among the key factors, KMS self-efficacy was found to be especially important as it was substantially and positively correlated to perceived task technology fit, personal and performance-related outcome expectations, and KMS usage.
Due to the new threats and challenges faced by the construction industry today, construction companies must seek new solutions in order to remain ahead of the competition. Knowledge has been identified to be a significant organisational resource, which if used effectively can provide competitive advantage. A lot of emphasis is being put on how to identify, capture and share knowledge in today's organisations. It has been argued over the years that due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry and ad-hoc nature of the construction projects, capture and reuse of valuable knowledge gathered during a construction project pose a challenge. As a result critical mistakes are repeated on projects and construction professionals have to keep “reinventing the wheel”. Given the nature of construction projects, collaborative knowledge management seems to be the most appropriate solution to capture project based knowledge. Information and communication technologies offer a number of solutions to implement collaborative knowledge management solutions. This paper discusses a range of these solutions and presents a case study where a collaborative knowledge management solution is implemented across a multi functional construction company.The work presented in the case study was carried out while the first author was employed by the case study organisation. A social web application was implemented to solve a particular knowledge sharing problem within the organisation's concrete pumping business. The new solution provided an effective and simple way to create knowledge by taking employees' ideas through an iterative cycle of discussion.
In this article we review two theories in which anxiety and its relationship to intergroup relations play a central role: anxiety/uncertainty management (AUM) theory and the integrated threat theory (ITT) of prejudice. The antecedents and consequences of anxiety in each theory are presented and comparisons between the theories are drawn. AUM specifies a greater range of antecedents, while ITT specifies a greater range of threats. The theories differ in the conceptualizations of the effects of anxiety with AUM holding that anxiety often has beneficial effects on intergroup relations and ITT arguing that anxiety typically has detrimental effects. AUM examines communication as the primary effect of anxiety whereas ITT focuses on prejudice. Possible reconciliations between the theories are discussed along with directions for future research.
Knowledge-sharing is the process of being aware of knowledge needs and making knowledge available to others by constructing and providing technical and systematic infrastructure. Numerous studies have addressed issues related to knowledge-sharing at various levels within organizations and between types of organizations. This study identifies and analyzes major factors for knowledge-sharing among faculty members in a higher educational institution in order to examine how those factors influence campus wide knowledge-sharing. It also investigates the way in which those factors are interrelated. Data were collected through a survey of full-time university faculty members at one private, four-year research university in South Korea. Results show that perception is the most influential factor and reward systems are the second-most influential factor for faculty knowledge-sharing. Respondents do not consider other factors such as Trust, Openness in Communication, Collaboration, and Communication Channels based on IT Infrastructure to be main factors. These factors do not have a statistically significant effect on faculty knowledge-sharing.
This study investigates the adoption of Library 2.0 functionalities by academic libraries and users through a knowledge management perspective. Based on randomly selected 230 academic library Web sites and 184 users, the authors found RSS and blogs are widely adopted by academic libraries while users widely utilized the bookmark function.
This paper reports the results of a qualitative study of motivation and barriers to employee participation in virtual knowledge-sharing communities of practice at Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 100, multinational corporation. The study indicates that, when employees view knowledge as a public good belonging to the whole organization, knowledge flows easily. However, even when individuals give the highest priority to the interests of the organization and of their community, they tend to shy away from contributing knowledge for a variety of reasons. Specifically, employees hesitate to contribute out of fear of criticism, or of misleading the community members (not being sure that their contributions are important, or completely accurate, or relevant to a specific discussion). To remove the identified barriers, there is a need for developing various types of trust, ranging from the knowledge-based to the institution-based trust. Future research directions and implications for KM practitioners are formulated.
Knowledge management has been growing in importance and popularity as a research topic and business initiative. Knowledge Management in Modern Organizations documents the latest key issues of knowledge management. The innovative chapters in this book discuss the philosophical foundations of knowledge management, serving as a viable resource for academicians, practitioners, researchers, and students. Knowledge Management in Modern Organizations depicts a global perspective as the contributors come from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, and adds value to any course focused on KM in organizations.