Kowloon‐Canton Railway on track for knowledge: Firm learns how to recognize, share and retain intellectual assets

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to highlights the importance of knowledge management in modern organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a systematic approach to knowledge auditing at Hong Kong‐based Kowloon‐Canton Railway Corporation.

Findings

Contends that many knowledge‐management schemes fail because the companies themselves lack a systematic approach to knowledge auditing. Highlights the importance of analyzing knowledge‐management needs, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats and risks.

Practical implications

Highlights the importance of management creating an environment to promulgate, motivate and encourage employees to collaborate and share knowledge.

Originality/value

Argues that people are the most efficient carriers of knowledge where knowledge is highly tacit and difficult to codify. As a result, the organization can put effort into areas such as increasing the willingness of the employees to share information related to their job. This can be done through an incentive scheme.

Citation

(2008), "Kowloon‐Canton Railway on track for knowledge: Firm learns how to recognize, share and retain intellectual assets", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 27-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730810878475