A framework for applying knowledge management in organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Knowledge Management (KM) has been discussed as being a critical component in an organization's ability to sustain a long-term competitive advantage. This study analyses the existing knowledge management frameworks. This study uses existing KM models as a framework to assess the components necessary to develop and sustain an effective KM in organizations in organizations. This study aims to develop a framework for applying knowledge management in organizations by determining the knowledge processes used at the organization, it also determines the techniques and tools that comprise of the KM processes for the organization. The study looks at some of the existing frameworks in details and outlines the problems of each of the discussed frameworks. This research identifies and combines the main issues addressed in the above frameworks in order to develop a framework for implementing KM in organizations. The framework developed as part of this research project combines aspects of these three frameworks which are- people and organizational culture, information and communications technology and knowledge management processes and builds on them. This study explores this impact based on an empirical survey of three Kenyan organizations. A factor analysis supports the importance of these three factors -- people and organizational culture, information and communications technology and knowledge management processes - as contributing significantly to KM. The primary aim of this research project is to develop a KM framework and methodology that will have the ability to apply KM in an organization and aid an organization in achieving its stated goals.