Knowledge management, tolerance of ambiguity and productivity : Evidence from the Greek public sector

Purpose – The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of hybrid knowledge management in workers' productivity and tolerance of ambiguity. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted before and after the implementation of the Communication and Knowledge Motivator (CKM) model in Hellenic Railways Organization (2004 and 2008). Survey data were collected from 352 workers. In the first phase (2004), workers' productivity, ambiguity tolerance and demographical characteristics were examined. In the second phase (2008), the same measurements were performed. Ordinary regressions (enter and stepwise) were used to explore the research hypotheses. Findings – The paper finds that workers' productivity and tolerance of ambiguity is positively affected by the CKM model. Further, it confirms the significant influence of workers' ambiguity tolerance in their productivity, before and after the implementation of the CKM model. Research limitations/implications – Workers' productivity might be influenced by the Hawthorne effect or by other emotional/cognitive attitudes. There is no such earlier measurement in Greece to compare and appraise the research findings and overall, the CKM model. Further research needs to be conducted in the Greek public sector. Practical implications – The research findings suggest that the CKM model affects positively workers' productivity and ambiguity tolerance. Additionally, they note that workers' tolerance of ambiguity affects significantly their productivity. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in the CKM model that may influence positively workers' productivity and ambiguity tolerance. The study was carried out in Greece where few relevant studies have been conducted.