An Empirical Analysis of Knowledge Management Styles and Their Effects on Corporate Performance

지식관리 유형 도출과 기업성과에의 영향 분석

  • Published : 2001.03.31

Abstract

Recently, more firms have shown an interest in implementing knowledge management methods. However, few companies are capable of adopting knowledge management methods effectively to improve organizational performance because it is still unclear how these methods improve corporate performance. To find this relationship between knowledge management methods and organizational performance, this paper analyses effects of knowledge management methods on corporate performance empirically. 51 Korean firms are selected as a sample base for empirical tests. Knowledge management methods can be categorized into four styles; harmony, codification, personalization, and ignorance. For example, the emphasis of harmony style is on both knowledge reusability using information technologies and knowledge sharing through informal intimacy among employees. Corporate performance varies depending on styles. Harmony style is founded to be most effective for corporate performance. Personalization and codification styles don't show any difference. This outcome is in line with the general observation that both tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge are important for effective knowledge management.

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