Knowledge Strategic Alignment

Abstract

Knowledge has been recognized as a key organizational resource. Yet, despite commitment in knowledge management (KM), many researchers and organizations overlook the need to engage in the alignment of knowledge-related resources with business-related strategies (knowledge strategic alignment). Although many reasons may be advanced for the lack of research and practice on knowledge strategic alignment, two reasons stand out. First, the alignment concept is difficult to understand and measure (Chan, Huff, Barclay & Copeland, 1997), and second, the KM field is relatively new and lacks appropriate frameworks, models, and methodologies for expected research and practice (Earl, 2001). The objectives of this chapter are twofold: The first is an attempt to respond to the call for frameworks, models, and methodologies for research in KM; and the second is an attempt to “simplify” the understanding of the alignment concept within the KM field. To attain both objectives, we first review the KM literature, and then opine on research from the alignment “reference fields” (Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) and strategic management), where the alignment concept is well researched and practiced to propose a framework for research on alignment in the KM field. We identify relevant research models, discuss conceptualizations of alignment in KM, and illustrate the application of the framework, models, and alignment concepts.