Abstract
Purpose - This study extends the view of "fit as holistic configurations" to explore how to use KM (knowledge management) processes and KMS (knowledge management system) capabilities appropriately according to the tasks characteristics subunits perform in aerospace manufacturer. In this regard, four theoretical ideal profiles of KM processes (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) and KMS capabilities (codification capability and network capability) for organizational subunits are developed based on their task characteristics ( 1).focused, process-oriented tasks, 2). focused, content-oriented tasks, 3). broad, process-oriented tasks, and 4). focused, content-oriented tasks).Design/methodology/approach - Our empirical study was conducted at a knowledge intensive and engineering-oriented aerospace company. Twelve functional subunits performing a variety of tasks were selected as our samples. This study employed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the subunits’ task attributes. We collected data from 12 subunits, and a total of 212 valid questionnaires were analyzed. PLS-Graph was used to assess the relationships of the research model.Findings - The empirical support for the argument that the fit among KM processes, KMS capabilities and task characteristics can improve KM performance. Results reveal that fit significantly affect knowledge satisfaction, knowledge quality and creativity for subunits performing focused, process-oriented and broad, process-oriented tasks. Research limitations/implications - The findings reflect the fact that individuals within organizational subunits should use the four KM processes of appropriate levels to generate new knowledge to accomplish their tasks.Originality/value - This study used a multidimensional and multi-item approach to test the effect of factors on KM performance, and is the first study to identify ideal profiles of KM process and KMS capability for different organizational subunits.
Purpose - This study extends the view of "fit as holistic configurations" to explore how to use KM (knowledge management) processes and KMS (knowledge management system) capabilities appropriately according to the tasks characteristics subunits perform in aerospace manufacturer. In this regard, four theoretical ideal profiles of KM processes (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization) and KMS capabilities (codification capability and network capability) for organizational subunits are developed based on their task characteristics ( 1).focused, process-oriented tasks, 2). focused, content-oriented tasks, 3). broad, process-oriented tasks, and 4). focused, content-oriented tasks).Design/methodology/approach - Our empirical study was conducted at a knowledge intensive and engineering-oriented aerospace company. Twelve functional subunits performing a variety of tasks were selected as our samples. This study employed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the subunits’ task attributes. We collected data from 12 subunits, and a total of 212 valid questionnaires were analyzed. PLS-Graph was used to assess the relationships of the research model.Findings - The empirical support for the argument that the fit among KM processes, KMS capabilities and task characteristics can improve KM performance. Results reveal that fit significantly affect knowledge satisfaction, knowledge quality and creativity for subunits performing focused, process-oriented and broad, process-oriented tasks. Research limitations/implications - The findings reflect the fact that individuals within organizational subunits should use the four KM processes of appropriate levels to generate new knowledge to accomplish their tasks.Originality/value - This study used a multidimensional and multi-item approach to test the effect of factors on KM performance, and is the first study to identify ideal profiles of KM process and KMS capability for different organizational subunits.