Diagnosis of Knowledge Management Process in Companies

Purpose – The paper presents a description and research results pertaining to knowledge management process in companies representing Polish IT sector. The main objective of the study was to diagnose the process. The study embraces Probst, Raub, Romhardt’s process knowledge management model. Therefore, the diagnosis pertained to locating, acquiring, developing, sharing, applying and maintaining knowledge. In order to supplement the description of the process, the following were included: association of the process with a strategy, companies’ level of knowledge management implementation, causes and barriers for the application, tools and determinants facilitating the implementation, sources of knowledge.Design/Methodology/Approach – In order to arrive at the objectives and obtain unbiased results, quantitative studies based upon surveys were conducted. The questionnaire contained questions pertaining to individual stages and additional aspects of knowledge management process. Respondents presented their views by means of a 4-point scale evaluating a particular area associated with the process and the intensity of its presence.Findings – Research results enable the following observations to be made. Knowledge management in the studied organizations is a planned activity originating from the organization’s strategy. The implementation of knowledge management is to improve the quality of services and boost client satisfaction. Structural solutions facilitating the implementation have been developed. All stages of knowledge management process have been implemented in the studied companies. However, the extent of the implementation varied. The creation of knowledge is the most popular. Its utilization – the least. Knowledge management processes in the studied companies face several obstacles limiting the effectiveness of the idea, such as insufficient interpersonal communication and inadequate management style. Research limitations/implications – Research results obtained in the study do not offer opportunities for generalizations. On the other hand, results can be compared with those for other sectors or countries. In addition, the comparison of knowledge management processes in companies diversified with regards to size, form of ownership, type of activity would constitute an interesting research opportunity. In order to expand knowledge of the process, additional aspects of the individual stages of knowledge management and the process’ determinants may also be considered.Originality/Value – In the theory of management, knowledge is frequently considered as a significant issue in economy. Therefore, the present study and paper constitute a contribution to the expansion of knowledge on the course, determinants, objectives, barriers and implementation of knowledge management.