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The organizational knowledge iceberg: An empirical investigation
Author(s) -
Haider Sajjad
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
knowledge and process management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.341
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1099-1441
pISSN - 1092-4604
DOI - 10.1002/kpm.326
Subject(s) - iceberg , knowledge management , business , conceptual model , knowledge creation , organizational culture , empirical research , marketing , public relations , computer science , political science , sea ice , oceanography , downstream (manufacturing) , geology , philosophy , epistemology , database
This study explores the critical success factors of implementing and running a knowledge management program. In doing so, the paper proposes and tests a conceptual model of “knowledge iceberg” inside the organization using a case study methodology. In total 89 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted over a period of 1 year in the SoftNetCo company to study success factors in the implementation of knowledge initiatives. During the research period 11 knowledge management initiatives were launched in the company which provided an excellent platform to conduct this research. The findings of the study suggest the existence of a knowledge iceberg inside organizations. It is reported that six activities can cause the knowledge iceberg to rise which is critical for the success of knowledge management initiatives. It is further argued that a holistic approach is required to manage knowledge, people, and culture and that managers have to concentrate more on managing people than the knowledge itself. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.