Influential Organizational and Human Factors for Knowledge Management Process Adoption and Implementation: A Literature Review

Abstract

Aims: This paper reviews the growing literature on influential organizational and human factors for Knowledge Management (KM) process adoption and implementation in both public and private sector. Methodology: It is based on literature published during the period 1997-2016. Only original research papers have been included in this literature review. A thematic structure has been adopted. In the beginning, significance of knowledge as well as significance and definition of KM will be clarified. Afterwards, the underlying problems and methodological issues raised in the literature will be touched upon. The paper also reviews the relationship between organizational readiness and the organizational and human contributing factors. Finally, significant differences in employees’ attitudes and willingness to be involved in the KM process according to different demographic variables will be examined. At the end of each part, a summary is provided in a table. Results: All studies indicated that it is essential to assess organizational readiness before embarking on KM projects. In addition, it was indicated that both organizational factors, namely, culture, structure, and information technology (IT) infrastructure, and human factors, namely, acceptance of KM and willingness to participate in the KM process, influence organizational readiness for KM. Conclusion: A mixed-approach investigation consisting of both quantitative and qualitative methods is recommended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors influencing organizational readiness for KM.