Assessment of Knowledge Management Practice: the Case of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of National Defense
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Knowledge management (KM) has evolved as a significant process for managing and exploiting
organizational knowledge. However, the literature relating to KM in Army context is limited. The
sustainability of an organization relies on the effective use of the organization’s knowledge
assets and resources. Knowledge is a key asset in equipping defense personnel to accomplish
their mission. KM therefore has a major role in assisting Defense to achieve performance
excellence. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the extent and effectiveness of KM and
indentify factors that influence KM in Ethiopian Defense Force and to indicate possible
recommendations for the future implementation. To achieve expected output qualitative research
methodology were used, and probability, random and purposive sampling were used because of
fitting of the army units geographical settlement. The research found that the extent and
effectiveness of KM was very poor, providing significant and important opportunities for
improving KM practice in Ethiopian Defense Force. Lack of incentive mechanism, lack of proper
policy and procedures, non conducive organizational culture and structure, lack of resources,
lack of leadership support, Army members attitude and not understanding the benefits of KM to
bring a sustainable change in the organization were identified as major influences on KM
practice in Ethiopian Defense Force .The research also identifies shortfalls in KM practice and
offers practical recommendations that should improve the accomplishment of the organizational
mission and which brings a continuous change by enhancing the appropriateness, consistency,
quality and timely activities by empowering individuals and groups .
Key Words: Knowledge, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership,
Organizational Change, Organizational Learning
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Keywords
Knowledge, Knowledge management, Knowledge sharing, Leadership, Organizational Change, Organizational learning