Modeling enablers for successful KM implementation

TLDR

Knowledge is a critical resource for competitive advantage, yet many organizations struggle to demonstrate ROI from KM initiatives, making successful implementation essential. The study proposes a model of enablers and barriers to achieve monetary benefits from KM, aiming to guide organizations in improving performance and understanding factor relationships. Through a literature review and interpretive structural modeling, the authors developed a questionnaire to map enablers and barriers, producing a model of their interrelations for KM implementation. The model identifies key strategies and methodologies for successful KM implementation, offering actionable approaches to enhance organizational performance.

Abstract

Purpose Given that it is difficult to establish monetary benefits for KM initiatives, this paper aims to present a model that consists of a set of enablers and barriers for successful KM implementation to obtain desired results. The contributions of the research effort should also support organizations in making decisions about improving organizational performance using KM initiatives, and understanding the directional relations among KM factors. Design/methodology/approach In the research study, using a literature review, the authors identify a set of enablers of and barriers to successful KM implementation. Using this set of factors, a questionnaire is developed by applying the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology to determine the underlying relations among these factors and to develop strategies for the successful implementation of KM initiatives. As a result of the ISM methodology, the paper presents a model to show its findings. Findings The research study findings help to identify important strategies for implementing KM successfully. Further, the study suggests methodologies for KM implementation. Originality/value Knowledge is recognized as a critical resource to gain and sustain competitive advantage in business. While many organizations employ knowledge management (KM) initiatives, research studies suggest that it is difficult to establish return on investment of such efforts; however, desired results can be obtained through successful implementation. The paper presents approaches to successful KM implementation.