Shaker A. Zahra and William D. Schulte
The 1990s promise to be a decade of worldwide acceptance of the notion of entrepreneurship as the engine of economic and social change. This essay identifies four, myths about the…
Abstract
The 1990s promise to be a decade of worldwide acceptance of the notion of entrepreneurship as the engine of economic and social change. This essay identifies four, myths about the efficacy of entrepreneurship. In addition, it suggests ways to transform the ideals of entrepreneurship into concrete action plans that ensure national growth and productivity.
William D. Schulte and Young K. Kim
To understand the role of national culture in knowledge management (KM), this study aims to examine whether workers of two different countries hold different expectations…
Abstract
Purpose
To understand the role of national culture in knowledge management (KM), this study aims to examine whether workers of two different countries hold different expectations regarding KM.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used field research to test hypotheses. Statistical analysis was performed to compare expectations of KM of knowledge workers in the USA and Taiwan.
Findings
Comparisons of KM expectations were performed on data. The results show that workers in the USA and Taiwan have significantly different levels of expectations regarding KM.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the limitations of mailed surveys, based on the results and high‐response rate, it appears that respondents in Taiwan have higher expectations from KM than their US counterparts.
Practical implications
Drawing from the research of Geert Hofstede and others, this study adds to our understanding of the relationships between national culture and KM by examining the differences between US and Taiwanese workers. These differences should be considered when KM strategies are formulated and implemented by international managers.
Originality/value
Many previous studies examined the relationship between organizational culture and perceived benefits of KM. However, no major study was done to examine whether national culture plays a significant role in KM expectations. The results of the study make significant contributions in terms of theoretical and practical understanding of the relationships between national culture and KM.
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William D. Schulte and Travis Sample
The debate about the differences between government, commercial and military knowledge management initiatives continues. Many consultants and vendors posit that the different…
Abstract
Purpose
The debate about the differences between government, commercial and military knowledge management initiatives continues. Many consultants and vendors posit that the different objectives of government, military and commercial organizations require different philosophies, methodologies and technologies to achieve success. Many agree that technology is not the most important element of knowledge integration. However, they also agree that knowledge management technologies can enable knowledge integration and contribute to efficiencies in organizations. This study provides empirical research to contribute to this theoretical and practical discussion.
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores the perceived differences of the impact of knowledge management technologies between commercial, military and government users. Analysis of variance is used to compare means of responses among the three groups. This study applies hypothesis testing through a case study of an enterprise in the military sector, the United States Department of the Navy's (DON) Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).
Findings
The primary conclusion of this study is that there is a significant difference in expectations among contractors, government civilian and uniform military knowledge workers on expected efficiencies from KMTs. Contractors and uniform military have similar expectations. Government civilians have significantly lower expectations. Contractors have the highest expectations from KMTs.
Research limitations/implications
There are a few studies that compare government and commercial sector knowledge management expectations and practices. In addition, case studies and anecdotal data provided by vendors and consultants communicate the value of knowledge management technologies. Still there is a need to grow the body of knowledge on the impact of KMTs on efficiency. To that end there is a growing commitment to empirical and conceptual research by scholars in knowledge management.
Practical implications
Implications for scholars and practitioners are posited.
Originality/value
There is still a lack of empirical research on the impact of knowledge management technologies on competitive advantage in government organizations. This study adds to understanding of this area of research.
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Malin Brännback, Alan Carsrud and William D. Schulte
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the family business succession process using Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation and conceptualisation of a knowledge‐creating place, Ba…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the family business succession process using Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation and conceptualisation of a knowledge‐creating place, Ba to enhance one's understanding of critical managerial challenges in family business succession.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on literature review, Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation and knowledge‐creating space is applied to the family business succession process.
Findings
Through literature review and synthesis thereof the paper concludes that Nonaka's theory of knowledge creation is a highly valid framework for analyzing and supporting the family business succession process. The paper proposes that Ba is a perception of a place – the family firm – and a shared purpose among family members in that firm. It is posited that the absence of Ba can be a significant barrier to a family firm adopting a successful succession process. Creating a Ba is essential for family firms to survive.
Research limitations/implications
Only propositions are presented, but they serve as valid research questions for future research.
Originality/value
Previous research of knowledge management processes and applications in family business context is scarce. Moreover, research on succession in family firms has not been considered as a knowledge creating and sharing process. This paper applies a valid and widely used model to the context of family firms and adopts the view that a succession process in essence is a knowledge creating and sharing process.
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Heejun Park, Vincent Ribière and William D. Schulte
Many scholars and practitioners claim that a supportive organizational culture can enable the successful implementation of knowledge management (KM) technology initiatives…
Abstract
Many scholars and practitioners claim that a supportive organizational culture can enable the successful implementation of knowledge management (KM) technology initiatives. However, little empirical research has been conducted to define the key organizational culture attributes that support more effective application of KM technologies. In this study, the 44 cultural attributes of the organizational culture profile (OCP) and the knowledge management technology profile (KMTP) instruments were used to identify and rank the most critical organizational culture attributes that promote knowledge sharing and KM technology implementation success. Data were collected from 26 US organizations that were implementing KM. The results of the data analysis revealed sufficient evidence to establish a correlation between specific cultural attributes and the successful implementation of knowledge management technology and knowledge sharing.
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Tatiana Baquero and William Schulte
The purpose of this research is to explore the status of knowledge management (KM) practices in private, public and academic sectors in Colombia.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore the status of knowledge management (KM) practices in private, public and academic sectors in Colombia.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 50 organizations in Colombia, among the private, public and academic sectors. This was done through analysis of field research, including documentation, an online survey, and conversations with local Colombians representing private, public and academic organizations.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal that, although there is a low level of adoption of KM practices in Colombia, there are some interesting cases of organizations that provide exemplars in this field of KM. This demonstrates a growing acceptance of best practices in KM which have been exported and developed in country firms.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size is a limitation and future research should expand the sample of the analysis of KM practices in Colombia and other nations in Latin America.
Practical implications
This study provides a clearer understanding of the status of KM in Colombia and the potential of KM adoption in other Latin American organizations.
Originality/value
Scholars and practitioners from all over the world are working to understand the value of KM in various countries. Yet, despite this, no specific research has been conducted on identifying KM practices in Colombia. The results of this research on Colombia provide a benchmark for both scholars and practitioners of KM.