The wave of knowledge loss that organisations are facing on account of layoffs, retirements,
staff turnover and mergers gave rise to this research. The main research aim was to identify
the organisational and behavioural factors that could enhance or impede tacit knowledge
retention. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on knowledge management, organisational
behaviour and organisational development was followed.
The nature of knowledge in organisations was explored by following a contextualised theorybuilding
process, focusing on epistemology, and the appearance and application of
knowledge. Knowledge in the context of this research is the knowledge and experience that
reside in the minds of people. It is not easily documented, and is referred to as tacit knowing.
A theoretical model was developed that revealed the factors that could influence tacit
knowledge retention. The model focused on human input factors taking into account
knowledge loss risks, strategic risks and behavioural threats that could cause knowledge
loss.The main purpose of the empirical research was to operationalise the theoretically derived
knowledge retention constructs, determine statistically the enhancing and impeding factors
that influence knowledge retention and develop a structural equation model to verify the
theoretical model. A quantitative empirical research paradigm using the survey method was
followed. A questionnaire was compiled, and a survey conducted in the water supply
industry. The principal component factor analysis postulated nine factors. A composite factor,
knowledge retention, as the dependent variable was compiled. The questionnaire was found
to be reliable, with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of .975.
A structural equation model development strategy produced a new best-fitting knowledge
retention model based on the new constructs postulated in the factor analysis. The model
indicated that there is a direct causal relationship between strategy implementation and
knowledge retention and between knowledge behaviours and knowledge retention. The
regression analysis showed that most of the intercorrelations are significant, thus confirming
the theory.
The research contributed towards a comprehensive understanding of the factors that
influence tacit knowledge retention. The questionnaire and the new knowledge retention
model could assist organisations in determining the extent to which knowledge is retained
and where to focus in developing and implementing a knowledge retention strategy. The
study encourages practitioners to take cognisance of the fact that organisations are different
and that the enhacing and impeding factors of knowledge retention are to be considered. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/4753 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Martins, Ellen Caroline |
| Contributors | Meyer, Hester |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xx, 401 leaves) |
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