Knowledge management practices in a regional economic bloc secretariat: a case of Southern African development community
- Authors: Sikazwe, Dennis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Library and Information Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11451 , vital:39073
- Description: The effective application of appropriate Knowledge Management Practices (KMPs) is one of the innovative and creative ways for improving organisational work processes. Having been undertaken in a Regional Economic Bloc (REB) at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, and at the SPGRC in Lusaka, Zambia, the study assesses KMPs among employees in these worksites. However, not all KMPs adopted can be appropriate. For example, studies show that the western epistemological perspective of knowledge that gives preference to leveraging explicit knowledge at the expense of tacit knowledge seems to be dominant in most organisations, just as evidenced in this study. This study was aimed at achieving to a limited extent exploratory and descriptive goal. The study was solidly grounded on the practice-based approach of knowing and learning in organisations, the OKC-SECI, and the dialogic Communication theories. It was aimed at assessing what, how and to what extent have KMPs utilized among REBs in the course of their day to day operations (SADC secretariat in particular). Using these theories, the study clearly shows how appropriate KMPs help improve secretariat’ work processes in any given REB secretariat’ everchanging work environment, and how it’s tested knowledge is stored, shared and applied as best practices. The study further assessed the conduciveness of the secretariat’s workplace environment in which such practices are carried out, and how appropriate the KM related ICTs available in that environment were. The theoretical underpinnings of the study were used to inform the selection of variables for the study. The approach of the study was firstly to understand what and how knowledge (both explicit and tacit) is generated, stored, shared and applied among the secretariat employees, and the focus was on the above theories. The study made use of the triangulated research approach to adequately capture and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data. By so doing, reliability and validity were enhanced. The copies of the questionnaire were administered to 138 employees of the catchment areas, and only 117 copies of the questionnaire were completed and returned for processing. From the returned copies of the questionnaire, 15 respondents whose responses vi appeared to have addressed the research questions were followed up for in-depth interviews. For qualitative data, the in-depth interviews were used together with the observation of the respondents’ behaviour, workplace environment and the appropriateness of the KM related ICTs available. Data obtained from the study were processed and analysed using SPSS for the quantitative data, while responses from the interviews and observations were sorted and coded. The process of comparing the processed quantitative and qualitative data resulted in the drawing of inferences that resolve the research problem. The study findings clearly show that the SADC secretariat was relatively good in the utilisation of appropriate KLPs; however, this was on average at a very low rate (32, 27.44%; Good), and mostly limited to the management of Information Resource Centres (47, 40.47%; Fair). This was followed by Explicit Knowledge Leveraging Practices (KLPs) (36, 30.75%; Good), while Tacit KLPs were rated the least with a (29, 25.20%; Bad) rating. The study findings further indicated that the conduciveness of the SADC secretariat workplace environment was on average fairly rated (61, 52.55%; Fair), with minimal opportunities for socialisation and collaborative work. The appropriateness of KM-related ICTs available at the secretariat was on average rated moderately at (41, 35.00%) Very good, though they were described as blind to the human, social and cultural aspects of KMPs. Finally, the study findings also revealed that the SADC secretariat was particularly rated bad (54, 45.87%) in finding possible KMP solutions, and was rated very good (51, 43.60%) in identifying the actual major challenges for managing KMPs. The use of a practice-based approach, OKC-SECI and Dialogic Communication theories to underpin the study were found suitable for investigating KMPs from a REB secretariat’s work processes context. The practice-based approach and the Dialogic Communication theory were particularly useful in addressing the issue of interaction, dialogue and sense-making in the workplace while the OKC-SECI theory helped understand knowledge conversion processes at the SADC secretariat. The findings of this study seem to propose that KMPs and KM, in general, can best be studied using a combination of methodologies because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. The study, thus, proposes the “practice – theory – practice “knowledge creation and sharing workplace framework.
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Effects of absorptive capacity and knowledge management on innovation capabilities in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)
- Authors: Gwena, Courage
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absorptive capacity (Economics) , Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Business Management
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11839 , vital:39111
- Description: Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are increasingly becoming an influential factor behind economic growth. On the other hand, knowledge management is credited with being critical to the success of modern business enterprises. Consequently, researchers have a growing interest in understanding knowledge management and its effects on various phenomena within an enterprise. Although SMMEs are tipped to be major providers of employment, innovations and economic growth, it is important that they be investigated in light of factors that influence their sustainability and growth. Notably there is evident lack of research exploring the relationship among absorptive capacity, knowledge management and innovation capabilities from a South African perspective as many of the related studies are concentrated in the developed world. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of knowledge management on innovation capabilities in SMMEs with focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. South African SMMEs are experiencing worrying failure rates, whilst on the other hand; knowledge management is credited with organisational success. This trend has presented an opportunity to test how knowledge management affects South African SMMEs innovation capabilities. Above this, the increasing value being attached to SMMEs in solving problems, such as unemployment and trade imbalance have attracted interest as a subject of research. A quantitative research approach was followed in carrying out this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to answer the research questions of the study. The respondents (n=280) were SMMEs representatives for SMMEs operating in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Findings of the study revealed that absorptive capacity exerts positive a effect on the innovative capabilities of SMMEs the same way knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing were found to have positive statistically significant on the innovation capabilities of SMMEs. The findings also show that knowledge sharing and knowledge acquisition exerts a positive effect on SMMEs innovative capabilities. Findings from the study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in business development to develop strategies that improve SMMEs growth and sustainability. These practitioners include strategic management researchers, policy makers, SMME owners, managers, and lecturers.
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Knowledge sharing practices amongst librarians in selected federal universities in South-Western Nigeria
- Authors: Bolanle, Akanbi Hawwa
- Date: 2017-11
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Academic libraries
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25289 , vital:64139
- Description: This study focused on Knowledge Sharing Practices Amongst Librarians in Selected Federal Universities in South-Western Nigerian. The southwest geopolitical zone chosen for this study is one of the largest geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The zone has six states with six Federal universities. Each of the states in south-west zone in Nigeria has one Federal University. The study was targeted at Librarians in each of the Federal Universities. These Librarians studied were from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Akure, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) Oye Ekiti, University of Ibadan (UI) Ibadan and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The aforementioned universities are located in Osun State, Ondo State, Lagos State, Ekiti State, and Oyo State, respectively. Specifically, the objectives of this study were to determine the factors that affect the knowledge sharing practices amongst librarians in the south western Federal universities in Nigeria; to find out the perception of librarians on knowledge sharing in the Federal University libraries; to investigate the method of sharing knowledge and the effectiveness of such methods among academic librarians at the selected Universities in Nigeria; as well as to determine the extent to which librarians in Federal Universities encourage information exchange and the use of modern technologies. In order to achieve these, a multistage sampling technique was used. Purposive sampling technique was first used with the criteria that all the universities selected must be owned by Federal government; and only professional librarians in the respective university libraries participated. The Total enumerative technique was also used although not all professional librarians across the six federal universities were reached, owing to few limitations. However, 147 professional librarians across all six federal university libraries in south-western zone, Nigeria were randomly selected and eventually used for the purposes of this study. This study makes use of triangulation for data collection. In other words, the instruments used for all the data collected are Questionnaire, Interview and Focus Group Discussion. This was because the nature of data collected is a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. Questionnaires (147) were administered to librarians in all the federal universities with the aid of research assistants in each of the institution libraries. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics were used to analyse the data gathered with the aid of Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Subsequently, the Interview and Focus Group Discussion were organized after retrieving data gathered through questionnaires. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to get some facts in line with the objectives of the study from librarians in the areas of study. This was done with the aid of a tape recorder, which was later transcribed and descriptively analyzed. Data gathered with the aid of interview and FGD were transcribed and interpreted. From all the instruments across the areas of study, it was found that the rate at which knowledge is shared through meetings and workshops is not encouraging as the findings showed that there was a very low response in this regard. The study concluded that there were several factors that affect knowledge sharing practices in the study site. Some of the key factors that influence knowledge sharing practices include: organizational structure, provision of incentives, Managerial practices, improved ICT, social relationship and training. This therefore suggests that organizational structure, provision of incentives, managerial practices, improved ICT, social relationship, training, trust, peer influence and perceived reciprocal benefit have a significant effect on knowledge sharing practices amongst librarians in South-western federal University libraries. It was found that there was a positive and significant effect of organizational structure on knowledge sharing practices amongst librarians. Results of the descriptive statistics on the perception of some librarians showed that librarians understood the concept of knowledge sharing as they agreed that knowledge possessed by an individual should be shared with another individual. In addition, on average, librarians supported the fact that knowledge sharing can bring innovation and creativity to library services. Although the findings were somehow consistent with previous studies, this study noted a number of contradictions and gaps that border on some of these factors. These are mode of sharing knowledge; particularly with respect to the availability of ICT facilities and their usage and the extent to which librarians in the study area share their knowledge which seems to be somehow not encouraging. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Organizational structures within each University library should be friendly and productive. Subsequently, No matter what, more is better than less. Librarians in all the six selected Southwestern university libraries should be motivated by giving them more incentives or rewards (both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards). In other words, there is a need for the management of the respective institutions to introduce additional incentives in order for their staff (librarians) to be fully motivated to increase their impetus to engage more in knowledge sharing practices. Despite the positive perception of librarians in the area of study, they still need to be motivated. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2017
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An exploration of knowledge sharing as a means of improving municipal governance in selected Limpopo municipalities
- Authors: Dikotla, Maoka Andries https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6699-6782
- Date: 2016-08
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24750 , vital:63548
- Description: The aim of this study was to underscore the role of knowledge sharing in improving the municipal governance in the local government sector of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the kind of knowledge management programmes which are in place in the municipalities of Limpopo Province; establish the extent to which municipalities in Limpopo encourage knowledge sharing for improvement of municipal governance; determine factors which affect knowledge sharing among employees of municipalities of Limpopo Province, and propose recommendations and strategies on how to optimally share knowledge in Limpopo municipalities. The nature of this study warranted the use of two research paradigms, namely positivist and interpretivist approaches. The study employed an integrated research method which covered both the qualitative and quantitative approach. In collecting data, data instruments were triangulated. In this regard, the researcher mostly used a questionnaire with little employment of interviews and observation. The researcher sampled 438 employees and 21 managers from the selected municipalities. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings of the study are the following: poor knowledge management programmes in Limpopo municipalities, knowledge sharing among the employees and across the municipalities is not encouraged, knowledge sharing in Limpopo municipalities is affected by both individual and organisational barriers and under-utilisation of information communication technology tools to support knowledge management programmes and practices. Comparatively, the findings of this study to a large extent support what has been recorded in literature. However, the study contradicts a typical mind set of many people that “knowledge is power” and cannot be shared freely. The study recommended to Limpopo municipalities to develop Knowledge sharing strategies that need to be linked to municipal strategic plans; involvement of top management in knowledge management activities; development of knowledge-friendly culture and utilisation of information communication technology tools in support of knowledge sharing. Some recommendations for further study were also provided. Among others, the study recommended that a study on the use of incentive systems as a means of encouraging knowledge sharing be conducted in selected municipalities. This was because studies on the use of incentive systems for motivating knowledge sharing yielded contradictory findings in many organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016
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The role of records management in the sustainability of small micro medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: a study of Alice and Fort Beaufort
- Authors: Ajibade, Patrick https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8608-8378
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25259 , vital:64122
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of records management in the sustainability of the Small Micro, Medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with focus on Alice and Fort Beaufort towns. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of records that are kept by SMMEs; evaluate the infrastructure for the SMMEs records management; determine the compliance of SMMEs with the existing RM legal and regulatory requirements; and identify the challenges related to SMMEs records practices. Twenty three (23) respondents from SMMEs were interviewed. Findings revealed all the respondents could not confirm adoption of any systemic way of records management to support business functions and operations. Majority of the SMMEs due to their inability to maintain records could not identify potential benefit of business RM with an exception of three SMMEs. The respondents were not aware of any compliance and regulatory framework most especially on business records management. The challenges facing SMMEs include; inability to capture/create maintain, preserve business records systematically in its lifecycle. The SMMEs lack needed training especially in records management to allow them the benefit of maintaining business records. It is recommended that SMMEs should acquire skill that would enable them manage their business records that may help improved decision making. There should be legislative and regulatory framework that ensures compliance. And assistance should be rendered to train SMMEs on basic RM skills that could improve their business operations. , Thesis (MLIS) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2014
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Knowledge retention strategies in selected Southern Africa public broadcasting corporations
- Authors: Dewah, Peterson
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital -- Management , Employee retention , Broadcasting -- South Africa , Broadcasting -- Zimbabwe , Broadcasting -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/438 , Knowledge management , Intellectual capital -- Management , Employee retention , Broadcasting -- South Africa , Broadcasting -- Zimbabwe , Broadcasting -- Botswana
- Description: Knowledge is now regarded as the most important resource surpassing other resources like land and capital. It is a foregone conclusion that knowledge flows out of organizations through various ways such as resignations, retirement and death yet, it does not seem as if organizations are employing strategies to retain such a vital component of production and service delivery. This study investigated the knowledge retention strategies in three Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) public broadcasting organizations of the South African Broadcasting Corporation in South African (SABC), the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) in Botswana and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) in Zimbabwe. The aim of this study was to establish how knowledge is captured and retained at such organizations. The objectives of the study were; to find out the types of strategies the three broadcasting organizations employ to capture and retain knowledge; establish how the three broadcasting organizational cultures enable knowledge acquisition, transfer, sharing and retention; establish the role of ICTs as tools and enablers of knowledge retention, creation, transfer and sharing in the three broadcasting organizations; and to propose recommendations on the best strategies for retention of knowledge in the three public broadcasting organizations as well as suggest areas for further and future research. v The study used the survey method and employed the triangulation design for data gathering. Data were collected from three SADC public broadcasting organizations. The population sample comprised 240 professional staff including 38 managers from different sections of the broadcasting organizations. The researcher collected data by administering a questionnaire to staff, interviews with managers and observations. Documentary analysis was also conducted in order to supplement data and fill in gaps. The researcher was mainly interested in gathering data that would give a comprehensive picture about knowledge retention methods in broadcasting organizations. There were four main findings. First, knowledge management as a relatively new concept and practice has not yet been properly embraced in the public broadcasting organization system in order to capture and retain knowledge that is acquired and generated in the organizations. There are no measures put in place in the organizations to retain the knowledge to ensure that once those who hold vital tacit knowledge are gone, the knowledge may still be available and accessible. Second, the study established that the respective organizational cultures impede on organizational knowledge retention. The study established that there was no culture of knowledge sharing. It also emerged that employees were not free to share their knowledge because of government regulations, prevailing political contexts, mistrust and general lack of incentive to share knowledge. Third, the study established that the organizations have no strategies or systems in place to capture the experts‟ knowledge or the knowledge of experienced staff and vi those approaching retiring age. The Human Resources Departments hold exit interviews that cover issues purely to do with why the person is leaving the organization instead of recording the work experiences and expertise of the departing employees. Fourth, the study revealed that the public broadcasting organizations still lag behind in collaborative and communicative technologies that facilitate knowledge transfer and sharing of tacit knowledge but retention of knowledge generally. The study also found that, some of the organizations studied did not have internet connectivity and websites were not yet functional, which hampered acquisition and sharing of knowledge for retention purposes. The importance of this study is that it has made a contribution and provided literature on knowledge retention strategies for public broadcasting corporations as part of knowledge management practice. On the basis of these findings the study recommended the following: appointment of knowledge management officers, establishment of Communities of Practice, encouraging knowledge sharing between employees, introduction of joint programmes with other broadcasting organizations by managers and their supervision of mentoring programmes; organizations to facilitate acquisition of information and communication technologies that enable knowledge management
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