An Empirical Examination of the Influence of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Management Practices

  • Authors:

  • Maryam Alavi;Timothy R. Kayworth;Dorothy E. Leidner

  • Affiliations:

  • Emory University;Baylor University;Baylor University

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Management Information Systems
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

Knowledge management to facilitate the creation, storage, transfer, and application of knowledge in organizations has received wide attention in practice and research in the past several years. Often cited as a significant challenge in knowledge management practices is the issue of organizational culture. Although many studies raise the issue of organizational culture's influence on knowledge management success, few investigate the way in which this influence manifests itself. This paper aims to explore how organizational culture influences knowledge management practices. Using a case study method, we examine the cultural values and knowledge management approaches within a large global information services company and one of its knowledge communities. The findings highlight the influence of culture on the use of knowledge management technologies and the outcomes of such use.