Employee perceptions of knowledge management in two service units: A case study of management services and organisational development (OD) and skills development units

Abstract

The main objective of knowledge management in organizations is its “use” or “benefit”. A comprehensive review of the literature has revealed a rapidly increasing and eclectic body of knowledge relating to knowledge management by both practitioners and academics. Knowledge management initiatives adopted within eThekwini Municipality are technologically oriented and lack deeper analyses of knowledge. The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge on or insight into employee perceptions about the factors that contribute to the strategies for managing knowledge, to gain knowledge on, or insight into, employee perceptions about knowledge management processes to convert tacit into explicit knowledge, to explore employees’ views regarding the implementation of knowledge management strategies and employee’ perceptions about the ways in which knowledge management can contribute to organisational effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this study investigates the interrelations between the four dimensions that impact on knowledge management (current knowledge management strategies, current processes for managing knowledge, implementation of knowledge management strategies and perceptions of the impact of knowledge management effectiveness) respectively. This study seeks to investigate new systematic strategies for knowledge management within eThekwini Municipality and international knowledge management initiatives and strategies in the public sector are to be explored with the aim to promote knowledge transfer. The study was undertaken at Skills Development and Management Services and Organisational Development (MS&OD) Units within eThekwini Municipality. A knowledge management survey used census and questionnaires were administered to 80 employees, of which 66 questionnaires were suitably completed. The survey took place during June to July 2009. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire included descriptive (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and inferential t-test, ANOVA and intercorrelations statistics. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was established using factor analysis and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha, respectively. The hypothesis of the study was tested using inferential statistics to determine whether significant relationships exist among the variables. Interpretation of results indicated that there exists a significant relationship amongst the key variables of the study relating to knowledge management respectively. It is argued that these findings have practical implications for human resource management discipline, local government, private organisations and academics as it proposes and suggests strategies and recommendations that may be implemented to overcome barriers of implementing knowledge management. The limitations of the study as well as directions for further research are also discussed.