Knowledge management diagnosis in Vojvodina firms by using Bukowitz and Williams model

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to empirically analyse the state of knowledge management (KM) practice in one particular region. In order to access the state of Vojvodina firms regarding the applicability of KM program, the Knowledge Management Diagnostic model was applied. Hypotheses based on the specific integrated set of KM were established and statistically tested on a sample of 190 Vojvodina companies from various industries, government institutions and public enterprises. Survey methodology was used with the aim to gather data about KM practice and other related organizational aspects. Our findings show the extent to which individual steps of KM at the whole sample deviate from the maximum value assigned. This survey provides a foundation for practicing engineering managers to position company and recognize the steps of KM that can be improved in order to achieve strategic value and close the gap between the average and maximum value assigned to each step.

The Model of Knowledge Management Based on Organizational Climate

“…Jokanovic, Okanovic, and Lalic [7] in earlier research highlighted what is missing in other models of KM mentioned above, and what the KM process model by Bukowitz and Williams offers is the knowledge divestment. The advantage of this model is in its strategic focus.…”

“…According to Davenport and Prusak [12], knowledge is a set of experiences, values, contextual information, which provides a framework for evaluation and implementation of new experiences and information [7]. A holder of knowledge may be an individual, group, or organizational routine.…”

“…We are in the era of the knowledge economy and knowledge is the main strategic resource for achieving a competitive advantage and sustainable development [7,[13][14][15]. More and more companies are turning to the practice of knowledge management [16][17][18].…”

“…The knowledge management model provides theoretical fundamentals of knowledge management (KM) for explaining and describing the best way to manage KM [7]. On the basis of the literature review and some empirical studies, it can be concluded that there are many models and measures to evaluate the success of knowledge management [7]: The Spiral Model by Nonaka and Takeuchi [20]; The Wiig Model for Building and Using Knowledge [21]; The Choo Sense-Making KM Model [22]; The KM Model by Botha [23]; and Bukowitz and Williams KM Process Model [10].…”

“…In the territory of Vojvodina, there are 45 municipalities and towns as local self-government units. One of the main objectives of the government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina [7] is to develop knowledge-based economy KBE and thus affect the sustainable development of education, science, and economy. The government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina has been making substantial investments in educational as well as technological infrastructure to facilitate knowledge-intensive economic activities, particularly in the software industry.…”