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Knowledge management: Processes and strategies used in United States research universities
Title
Knowledge management: Processes and strategies used in United States research universities.
Creator
Coukos-Semmel, Eleni Dianne, Florida Atlantic University, Pisapia, John
Abstract/Description
In the fields of organizational studies and business management there has been a growing emphasis on the practice of knowledge management (KM)---the process of generating, codifying, and transferring information assets for increased organizational performance. This once-theoretical discipline is expanding into other sectors such as higher education institutions. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the use of KM and the strategies which further its use in research universities, (b)...
Show moreIn the fields of organizational studies and business management there has been a growing emphasis on the practice of knowledge management (KM)---the process of generating, codifying, and transferring information assets for increased organizational performance. This once-theoretical discipline is expanding into other sectors such as higher education institutions. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess the use of KM and the strategies which further its use in research universities, (b) examine relationships between use and efficiency of the strategies and the effectiveness of KM, (c) develop a classification model for KM effectiveness, and (d) determine the critical success factors for KM effectiveness. A 43-item survey (rating strategies and processes on two dimensions---"use" and "importance") was adapted from a benchmarking tool created by Arthur Andersen Consulting and the American Productivity and Quality Center. The field test concluded that the instrument was reliable (96%) and a panel of experts validated the content (72% agreement rate). The survey was distributed to 1285 administrators at the 257 public and private United States research universities. Three hundred (300) participants from 161 universities responded. The response rate, calculated by number of organizations responding, was 62.6%. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (analysis of variance, correlational analysis, and discriminant analysis) were employed. Five key findings were discovered. First, universities demonstrated an above moderate level (above 3 on a 5-point Likert scale) "use" of strategies and a below moderate level "use" of processes. Second, technology was the most implemented strategy, and measurement was the least. Third, notable differences between public and private universities were found regarding use of leadership strategy and transfer process. Fourth, the proposed discriminant model for classifying institutions by KM effectiveness level was 76% accurate. Variance in KM Effectiveness ranged from 46.6% (measurement) to 30.1% (culture). Finally, the most critical factors for effective KM centered around technology and measurement strategies. Tactics within each of these strategies were further identified to enable higher education leaders to increase KM effectiveness. Other considerations are highlighted for organizations wishing to implement a KM initiative, and recommendations are made for further research.
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Date Issued
2002
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11983
Subject Headings
Knowledge management
Format
Document (PDF)
Developing and protecting the "golden idea" in new high-tech ventures
Title
Developing and protecting the "golden idea" in new high-tech ventures: entrepreneurs and advisors.
Creator
Fanimokun, Abiola Omoyeni., College of Business, Department of Management
Abstract/Description
The preoperational stage of a new venture is characterized by concept definition, idea enhancement, and strategy formulation. Entrepreneurs consult advisors in knowledge sharing activities. Trust is dominant in these entrepreneur-advisor relationships as entrepreneurs rely on an advisor's judgment to keep venture ideas away from competitors. However, the relationships between trust, knowledge sharing, and knowledge security during the preoperational stage of a new high-tech venture are not...
Show moreThe preoperational stage of a new venture is characterized by concept definition, idea enhancement, and strategy formulation. Entrepreneurs consult advisors in knowledge sharing activities. Trust is dominant in these entrepreneur-advisor relationships as entrepreneurs rely on an advisor's judgment to keep venture ideas away from competitors. However, the relationships between trust, knowledge sharing, and knowledge security during the preoperational stage of a new high-tech venture are not directly examined in many research studies. Concerning types of trust, McAllister (1995) defines two types of interpersonal trust: affective trust, which develops from emotional bonds between individuals, and calculative trust, which is based on an individual's level of competence and reliability. The present study applies McAllister's (1995) theory of types of trust to Kale, Singh, and Perlmutter (2000) findings to examine how trust relationships between entrepreneurs and advisors affect knowledge sharing and an entrepreneur's use of NDAs. This dissertation's research primary question is, "How does trust between an entrepreneur and advisors affect knowledge sharing and choices of knowledge security mechanisms during the preoperational stage of a new high-tech venture?" I used de Koning and Muzyka's (1999) classification of the entrepreneur's social context to define three advisor types: Close Friends, Business Associates, and Licensed Professionals. Linking these types with literature on trust and knowledge, I hypothesize seven relationships dealing with trust, knowledge sharing, and knowledge security. I used structured and non-structured interview formats to collect data on 143 entrepreneur/advisor relationships in South Florida., The results confirmed that relationship length significantly contributed to affective trust and entrepreneurs were more likely to share knowledge with Business Associates than with Close Friends or Licen found t o be the dominant form of trust driving knowledge sharing but affective trust was not significantly found to impact the use of NDAs. Entrepreneurs expected all advisor types to be competent, experienced, and skilled, reporting nonsignificant differences in calculative trust across advisor types. I did not find the use of NDAs to be associated with any particular advisor type. Rather, NDAs were seldom used during the preoperational stage for reasons such as the entrepreneurs' desires to maintain positive relationships with advisors, along with their reliance on a strong institutional background.
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Date Issued
2010
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2100577
Subject Headings
Interpersonal relations, Business etiquette, Organizational behavior, Entrepreneurship, New business enterprises, Creative ability in business, Disclosure of information, Knowledge management
Format
Document (PDF)