An Empirical Study of Knowledge and Organizations

Abstract

An empirical investigation into perceptions about the handling of knowledge in organisations. The findings are based on replies to a non-random postal questionnaire based survey. The respondents were the senior human resource management (HRM) and information technology (IT) specialists at the 60 largest Scottish companies (as measured by market capitalisation). The findings in the main confirm both ideas in the literature in general and the findings and conclusions from previous studies including Alavi, and Leidner (1999). In addition some new aspects are reported which can be construed as showing support for the idea of professional groupings holding onto knowledge and for the existence of ambivalence towards the emphasis placed on the role of IT in conducting KM.