An exploratory study of knowledge management in Chinese organizations

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this thesis is to report the results of an exploratory study that conceptualizes and develops valid model for two key dimensions of KM: knowledge sharing and innovation, at different levels of organizations with organizational culture impacts on people, process and technology, in the context of China.

Design/methodology/approach - Data were col.lected from Chinese service sector in business consulting companies. Using focus group, elite interview, in-depth interview and cases studies based on KM and KM Culture models from literature. The research models were exan1ined by a preliminary and a pilot researches as validated then applied to a main study followed by a confirmatory research. Five cases are included. Qualitative and quantitative research tools like Nvivo and SPSS/Excel are applied.

Findings - The result of the study indicate that the current Chinese KM practice in KM has its own characteristics and impacts from Chinese culture, which was not all in accordance with previous studies and survey results. Reasons of the result are explored. Findings were confirmed with a confirmatory study and the model developed satisfies the criteria for reliability and validity in KM studies. A KM Culture model is established.

Research limitations/implications - This study contributes to KM research by providing a set of valid and reliable research model and process while presenting results from Chinese business environment on knowledge sharing and innovating at different levels that influenced by organizational culture. These results are expected to help researchers in KM studies and practitioners in Chinese related management. Because of the sample features is in the Chinese business context, final results should be considered with caution.

Practical implications - The proposed model for knowledge management, knowledge sharing and innovation that relate to organizational culture at different levels can be implemented to improve KM practices. Findings could also help organizations to build up effective KM culture to improve KM practice.

Originality/value - This thesis provides a new KM model for knowledge sharing and innovation studies with solid findings from Chinese service sector on KM research and practices.

Date of Award	Dec 2009
Original language	English
Supervisor	Rodney McAdam (Supervisor) & Sandra Moffett (Supervisor)