What is Knowledge Management (KM)

Increased interaction, interdependency and volatility on a global scale are rapidly changing local governments’ external environment, their community characteristics, and their organisational orientation. In circumstances of high uncertainty and ambiguity, the success of local governments depends to a greater extent on how well they utilise knowledge resources in adjusting to contextual changes. This requires special attention to knowledge management (KM). The major challenge for KM in local government is to foster the development of an enriched knowledge base that will enable local actors to better deal with adjustment and development issues of importance to their communities (Anttiroico, 2006). The purpose of this article is to address technical issues in organisational KM. Referring to the theoretical work by Handzic (2004), the article considers the role of various information and communication technologies (ICT) in facilitating the processes in which knowledge is created, transferred and utilised in local governments. Findings reported in the article are part of an ongoing research project into the adoption of KM principles and practices in public sector organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The role of ICT in local government KM solutions addressed in this article is only one of several aspects covered by the research project. Further project details can be obtained elsewhere (Handzic, Lagumdzija, & Celjo, 2007).