Effective Implementation of Knowledge Management Strategies and the Key Roles of Knowledge Ambassadors in Strategy Integration

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how knowledge management strategies can be implemented effectively across divisions and what role change agents in the shape of so called ‘knowledge ambassadors’ can play in actively supporting knowledge sharing and effective integration of knowledge management strategies. Through a three year longitudinal participative case study the implementation of a knowledge management strategy is examined within the Danish Road Directorate and its seven geographically dispersed divisions. The results of the study reveal different steps and key activities in effective implementation of a knowledge management strategy and how knowledge ambassadors play a vital role in effective integration of knowledge management tools, continuous support of knowledge sharing practices and in developing a knowledge culture within the organisation. The contributions of this paper lie in the participative and longitudinal examination of effective knowledge management strategy implementation across geographically dispersed divisions and the introduction of knowledge ambassadors as a key success factor in knowledge management strategy integration.