Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge needs of a small, volunteer-based Non-Profit Organization (NPO) and present recommendations for implementation of KM solutions. Design/methodology/approach -The methodology used in this paper is the knowledge audit. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews, documentary photography, and a review of content on the NPO's website. Findings -The paper recommends a combination of web 2.0 technology and low-tech solutions to meet the KM needs of the volunteer-based organization within the constraints of its limited resources. Based on the observation that dedicated and reliable volunteers are critical to this organization's success, the paper proposes that the KM solution address personal knowledge needs related to volunteer motivation factors as a strategy for improving volunteer recruitment and retention.Research limitations/implications -The study examined a small group of volunteers engaged in a specialized form of knowledge-sharing work. Future research could test this paper's conclusions in larger and more diverse volunteer-based NPOs. Originality/value -The paper extends KM research into the realm of volunteer-based NPOs and adopts elements from Motivation-Hygiene theory as well as specific volunteer motivation factors as additional criteria for a KM solution.

No abstract

This research evaluates knowledge management (KM) practices of a non-profit organization. Researchers conducted a knowledge audit of, and proposed basic KM solutions for, a community bicycle workshop. The findings show that KM and communities of practice may be critical success factors for volunteer organizations or NGOs focused on information sharing.La présente recherche évalue les pratiques de gestion des connaissances d'un organisme à but non lucratif. Les chercheurs ont effectué un audit des connaissances et ont proposé des solutions de base de gestion des connaissances dans le cadre d'un atelier communautaire sur le vélo. Les résultats révèlent que la gestion des connaissances et les communautés de praticiens peuvent constituer des facteurs de réussite vitaux pour les organismes caritatifs et les organismes sans but lucratif axés sur le partage de l'information.