Knowledge Management Orientation Model – An Empirical Study

Based on the review of literature, this study identifies the knowledge management practices in organizational context. A Knowledge Management Orientation Model has been conceptualized and it is suggested that orientation of organisations toward knowledge management be assessed in terms of four variables – ‘innovation,’ ‘learning,’ ‘knowledge sharing’ and ‘information technology.’ To measure the KM practices of an organisation, in terms of these four variables, a Knowledge Management Inventory (KMI) has been developed and empirically tested. The 22 statements in KMI rate respondents’ orientation toward innovation, learning, knowledge sharing and information technology. The study compares the KM Orientation of 191 employees and managers of 16 organisations spread across 4 different industries in Ludhiana City of Punjab (India): Cycle Parts, Hosiery, Sewing Machine and Auto Parts. Association of KM orientation of employees with their age, professional experience, life of the organisation; and size of the organisation has also been studied. The study gives suggestion for enhancing the knowledge management orientation of employees. The authors have suggested that reliability and validity of Knowledge Management Inventory (KMI) should be checked by further studies with larger and varied samples