Knowledge exploration and ICT knowledge exploitation through human resource management: A study of Italian firms

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the relationships among human resource management (HRM), information and communication technology (ICT), knowledge exploitation and knowledge exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the study’s goal, The authors applied a quantitative methodology involving ordinary least squares on a sample of 129 Italian firms.

Findings

Results confirm a direct and significant effect of HRM practices on knowledge exploration and a moderation effect of ICT knowledge exploitation on the relationship between HRM practices and knowledge exploration.

Originality/value

The relationship between knowledge management (KM) and HRM is relevant given that HRM can affect organizational culture and the management of strategic knowledge within firms, which is a primary resource to achieve better positioning in the markets. Nevertheless, the implicit link between KM and HRM has been theoretically suggested, but it requires further exploration, in particular through quantitative analysis.

Citation

Santoro, G. and Usai, A. (2018), "Knowledge exploration and ICT knowledge exploitation through human resource management: A study of Italian firms", Management Research Review, Vol. 41 No. 6, pp. 701-715. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-07-2017-0215