Journal of Knowledge Management

Dost, Mir; Pahi, Munwar Hussain; Magsi, Hussain Bakhsh; Umrani, Waheed Ali

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-01-2019-0035

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of internal and external sources of knowledge on frugal innovation (FI), and to what extent this relationship is strengthened/weakened, authors also analyzed the moderating role of market and technological turbulence.Design/methodology/approachThis is an empirical research. Data were collected from 382 SMEs through questionnaire survey, applied SmartPLS technique to analyse the data.FindingsFindings revealed the significant effects of internal and external sources of knowledge on FI. To what extent this relationship is strengthened/weakened, the moderating role of market and technological turbulence was analysed. Data revealed that the moderation of technological turbulence strengthens the effects internal and external sources of knowledge had on FI. Market turbulence strengthened the effects of external sources of knowledge but surprisingly weakens the effects of internal sources of knowledge on FI.Practical implicationsFindings provide valuable and timely insights for the modern managers as well. Managers who operate in SMEs will have to understand that how knowledge from internal and external sources can be gathered and utilized for producing frugal products. They also will have to weigh which source of knowledge is more important when there is market and technological turbulence.Originality/valueSustainable and social issues emerge mainly due to scarcity of available resources. Firms seek to solve such pressing issues through improvisation in resources. However, frugal products assist firms to significantly contribute in society and sustainability. Although prior research has discussed the importance of knowledge for innovation, yet the effects of sources of knowledge and role of contingencies mostly remain unexplained puzzle. This study contributes to knowledge-innovation literature by examining the missing link between different sources of knowledge and FI and how the moderation of technology and market turbulence strengthen/weaken this relationship. Authors believe that it also helps to comprehend FI’s enabling factors through which firms can capitalize upon, and solve the pressing sustainable and social issues.

Serenko, Alexander

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-01-2018-0007

This paper introduces the concept of knowledge sabotage as an extreme form of counterproductive knowledge behavior, presents its typology, and empirically demonstrates its existence in the contemporary organization.Design/methodology/approachThrough the application of the critical incident technique, this study analyzes 177 knowledge sabotage incidents when employees intentionally provided others with wrong knowledge or deliberately concealed critical knowledge while clearly realizing others’ need for this knowledge and others’ ability to apply it to important work-related tasks.FindingsOver 40% of employees engaged in knowledge sabotage, and many did so repeatedly. Knowledge saboteurs usually acted against their fellow co-workers, and one-half of all incidents were caused by interpersonal issues resulting from the target’s hostile behavior, failure to provide assistance to others, and poor performance. Knowledge sabotage was often expressed in the form of revenge against a particular individual, who, as a result, may have been reprimanded, humiliated or terminated. Knowledge saboteurs rarely regretted their behavior, which further confirmed the maliciousness of their intentions.Practical implicationsEven though knowledge saboteurs only rarely acted against their organizations purposely, approximately one-half of all incidents produced negative, unintentional consequences to their organizations, such as time waste, failed or delayed projects, lost clients, unnecessary expenses, hiring costs, products being out-of-stock, understaffing, or poor quality of products or services. Organizations should develop comprehensive knowledge sabotage prevention policies. The best way to reduce knowledge sabotage is to improve inter-personal relationships among employees and to foster a friendly and collaborative environment.Originality/valueThis is the first well-documented attempt to understand the phenomenon of knowledge sabotage.

Li, Fei; Chen, Yan; Liu, Yipeng

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-03-2018-0204

This paper aims to examine how integration modes impact the acquirer knowledge diffusion capacity of overseas mergers and acquisitions (M&As) effected by emerging market firms and the role played by the global innovation network position of the acquiring firms in affecting this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThrough the use of structural equation modelling and bootstrap testing, the hypotheses are tested by drawing upon a sample of 102 overseas M&As effected by listed Chinese manufacturing companies.FindingsThe results show that acquirers from emerging countries are unable to increase the knowledge diffusion capacity unless they choose the right post-merger integration mode. This paper also finds that the relationship between integration mode and knowledge diffusion is channelled through the centrality and structural holes of acquirers in the global innovation networks. When considering the combinations of different resource similarities and complementarities of the acquired firms, differences emerge in the integration model and network embedded path of acquirers in emerging countries.Practical implicationsEmerging market multinational enterprises should consider post-merger integration as a crucial facilitator to the crafting of global innovation network positions that promote knowledge diffusion. The choices of integration mode and brand management autonomy should be matched with the resource similarities and complementarities that exist between the acquirer and target firms.Originality/valueBased on the resource orchestration theory and by focussing on network centrality and structural hole as the crucial links, this study provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between post-merger integration and knowledge diffusion and sheds light on latecomer firms from emerging countries.

Caputo, Francesco; Garcia-Perez, Alexeis; Cillo, Valentina; Giacosa, Elisa

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-10-2018-0645

This paper aims to investigate the potential of knowledge management (KM) as a discipline in helping understand and manage social and economic complexity. The paper highlights some of the potential relationships between KM in organisations and their economic performance. Finally, the authors assess the role of human resources and technological infrastructures in the relationship between organisation’s approach to KM and their performance.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses are tested via a survey on a sample of managerial-level employees of information technology organisations located in the city of Brno in Czech Republic. The data collected are analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to study the relationship between KM; the workforce’s willingness and ability to collaborate and co-create value; and the organisations’ economic performance.FindingsThe research found that there is a direct and positive relationship between an organisation’s approach to KM and its economic performance. This study also shows that the workforce’s behaviour and the technological infrastructure of the organisation have a direct effect on business performance. Finally, the authors proposed that a link between human resource management and technology orientation must be established and supported by a KM strategy.Originality/valueThis paper offers a new perspective to the approach to KM in organisations. Reflections and empirical results underline the need for organisations to invest in the implementation of KM strategies that involve both the human resources and technological infrastructure as a way to improve the impact of knowledge on the companies’ economic performances.

Manfredi Latilla, Vito; Frattini, Federico; Messeni Petruzzelli, Antonio; Berner, Martina

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/JKM-11-2018-0699

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse and discuss five longitudinal case studies in which the authors have investigated how, in a specific subset of the creative industry, i.e. the arts and crafts organizations, knowledge can be systematized and transferred, becoming a real source of competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachAs no prior empirical research on the relationship among knowledge, knowledge transfer the role of craftsmen is available, an exploratory, qualitative research design seems advisable to study the phenomenon in detail. In setting up a multiple case study, the authors established a sampling frame of criteria associated with the theoretical background and research interest of this study: the case firms had to be arts and crafts organizations well-known for the high quality and value of their artifacts and have a solid reputation for preserving the tradition and the uniqueness of their manufacturing processes.FindingsIt has emerged the importance of craftsmen within arts and crafts organizations, whose know-how and technical skills are high valued by colleagues, by the market (customers), within the society and the territory where they operate. The knowledge acquired and retained by the craftsmen becomes therefore crucial for the survival of the arts and crafts organizations and for their profitability in the long term.Research limitations/implicationsFrom the empirical investigation, it has emerged a certain unawareness at managerial level of the strategic relevance of the craftsmen knowhow and skills and of how to practically and effectively transfer their knowledge to a future generation of young craftsmen to continue to satisfy a unique and exclusive market demand. Furthermore, it has emerged the lack of a common knowledge transfer policy to different organizations. Therefore, it has not been possible to define a standard framework for the knowledge transfer process because it is influenced by the organizational structure, the management style of the organization owner (very often a family that retains the totality of the organization shares/quota), the social context and the territory where the organization is located, as well as the target market and the specific niche of customers who buy the organization’s products. This result represents a potential threat for the survival of arts and crafts organizations in the long run.Practical implicationsA common result that has emerged is that craftsmen play a crucial role for the success of arts and crafts organizations, through the creation and production of exclusive, high value products; hence, it is crucial to preserve and transfer properly their knowhow and skills. This result is particularly relevant for the world of practice: in a time where globalization demands for the relocation of production processes and technology automates several job tasks, the variegated world of arts and crafts, where the handmade abilities and skills of craftsmen cannot be replicate, imitate or standardize, becomes extremely important for the economy of several countries, among which Italy.Social implicationsAt social level, the activity of arts and crafts organizations help preserve the uniqueness and exclusivity of the heritage and culture of the territory where they are located, and reflect the tradition of such territory, the knowhow and ability of its inhabitants and help preserve this unique reservoir of competences and knowhow.Originality/valueThe contribution builds on the lack of practical understanding of the relationship between knowledge and the role played by craftsmen in the knowledge transfer process within arts and crafts organizations, and how effective such process is realized. This because despite the interest of many authors toward both knowledge management and transfer within the creative industry, there is a lack of studies aimed at linking systematically these two research areas. This is a relevant issue since knowledge in creative industries mainly refers to the traditions and values at the basis of an organization’s culture, tends to manifest itself in a tacit way and is difficult to analyze because it mainly exists in the mind of individuals as the result of their working experience not expressed in an explicit form.

Giraldo, Sobeida Margarita; Aguilar, Luis Joyanes; Giraldo, Lillyana María; Toro, Iván Darío

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-08-2018-0479

This paper aims to explore the requirements of organizational knowledge management initiatives using requirements engineering techniques, identifying the optimal techniques configuration and serving as a management tool for knowledge engineers.Design/methodology/approachThe method is selection attributes. Knowledge management enablers are characterized and mapped with the coverage capabilities of requirements engineering techniques, using the attributes of the elicited object and a box-plot analysis. The information is gathered from 280 references, 32 companies and 16 experts in requirements engineering.FindingsRequirements of organizational knowledge management initiatives are got optimally by combining interviews, use cases, scenarios, laddering and focus group techniques. The requirements of structure and processes are more complex to identify, while culture requirements are the best covered.Research limitations/implicationsKnowledge management enablers are analyzed according to the current studies and comprehension of engineering techniques.Practical implicationsKnowledge engineers need to consider the coverage capabilities of engineering techniques to design an optimal requirement identification and meet the objectives of organizational knowledge acquisition initiatives. Requirement engineers can improve the requirements identification by a staged selection process.Social implicationsThe requirements of knowledge management initiatives that impact the community can be identified and traced to ensure the knowledge objectives. Requirements related to culture and people, like shared values, beliefs, and behaviors, are also considered.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study about formal requirement identification of knowledge management initiatives in the organizational context, providing the optimal configuration. A novel staged process is proposed for requirements engineering techniques selection, analyzing the enablers at component level and identifying the attributes associated with the elicited object.

Oufkir, latifa; Kassou, Ismail

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-08-2018-0497

This paper aims to propose a model for measuring the performance of knowledge management (KM) projects in enterprises. No such model has been proposed in the literature thus far. The activities, factors and outcomes of KM are the main constructs of the model. Their operationalization and interactions are investigated.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted of 120 respondents from SME firms in Morocco. A structural equation modeling (SEM) technique called partial least squares (PLS) was used to assess the validity of the constructs and verify the hypotheses. A performance index for KM projects was derived from the model constructs.FindingsThe results support the model designed for KM activities and related interactions. The effects of KM activities on its outcomes are significant as well. The results also confirm that KM factors are predictors of KM activities and that the effects of these are significant. Furthermore, a performance importance analysis (importance performance map analysis [IPMA]) was performed on the data to expand the results of the PLS-SEM by identifying under-performing KM drivers that require managerial action.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to propose a generic performance measurement model for KM projects. Additionally, it is a pioneering study in the use of IPMA for KM performance measurement.

Jiao, Hao; Yang, Jifeng; Zhou, Jianghua; Li, Jizhen

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-10-2017-0499

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the extent to which two types of commercial partnerships (business partner and non-business partner) affect the collaborative innovation of firms in emerging economies. Specifically, the roles of two commercial partnerships are investigated. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effect of external technological uncertainty and internal dynamic capabilities on the relationship between two commercial partnerships and on collaborative innovation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 370 high-tech firms in China, the authors applied the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach to model these relationships.FindingsThe findings reveal opportunities and challenges for companies according to two intensities of commercial partnership for collaborative innovation. The partnership contribution to innovation and competiveness is different within the two routes and ranges. The findings indicate that (1) intense commercial relationships with business partners have a stronger positive significant impact on collaborative innovation than those with non-business partners and (2) non-business partners have a weaker positive impact on collaborative innovation at high external technological uncertainty. It was also found that (3) the positive impact of business partners on collaborative innovation is weakened when a firm has high dynamic capabilities, whereas the positive impact of non-business partners is strengthened.Research limitations/implicationsInsight into the roles of two commercial partnerships in achieving collaborative innovation facilitates the advancement of the theoretical understanding of the circumstances under which cooperative innovation can be more effective under different partnerships.Originality/valueA key strategic question is whether comprehensiveness enables firms to make better strategic decisions in various environments. In the process of innovation, companies must choose different types and quantities of partners, and they must regulate their partners’ innovative behavior by establishing a corresponding network structure and relationship rules. The current study focuses on analysis of how different intensities of commercial partnerships affect collaborative innovation. This research provides a theoretical framework that creates a new classification of commercial relations with regard to collaborative innovation, and it highlights the difference between the two types of partnerships. This study finds that there are many problems in the selection of innovative partners in China’s high-tech companies. Therefore, companies should strengthen their understanding of cooperative innovation, and they should build and manage highly efficient innovation networks. This study helps companies, high-tech industry associations, academia and government to take enhanced, informed actions.

Feng, Jiaojiao; Wang, Changyu

2019 Journal of Knowledge Management

doi: 10.1108/jkm-12-2018-0737

Knowledge hiding as an important topic in knowledge management field might be triggered by abusive supervision, but few studies discussed how to alleviate the effect of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding. Drawing on both reactance theory and conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to build a moderated mediation framework to examine effects of abusive supervision on knowledge hiding via job insecurity and under moderation of motivational climate (including mastery climate and performance climate).Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a two-wave survey study among 155 knowledge workers from educational and manufacturing industries.FindingsResults show that abusive supervision is not significantly related to knowledge hiding directly but indirectly via job insecurity. Abusive supervision’s interaction with mastery climate is negatively related to knowledge hiding, but its interaction with performance climate is positively related to knowledge hiding. The indirect relation of abusive supervision to knowledge hiding via job insecurity is significantly moderated by mastery climate but not by performance climate.Research limitations/implicationsDespite contributions, this study also has some limitations. Variables rated from the same source (i.e. employees) may have common method bias although the two-wave design does help alleviate this concern.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights important reasons why people hide knowledge at work (because of abusive supervision and job insecurity) and identifies a boundary condition (mastery climate) which will reduce abusive supervision’s influence on knowledge hiding.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to knowledge hiding literature which is an important part of knowledge management from the perspective of abusive supervision based on both reactance theory and COR theory.