Knowledge Management in R&D Teams at a Spanish Technical University: Measurement and Relations with Organizational Culture
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.26.4.9885Keywords:
knowledge management, KCD, knowledge creation diffusion, organizational culture, validationAbstract
The aim of this study was first to create and analyze the psychometric properties of an instrument (Knowledge Creation and Dissemination Survey) to evaluate the knowledge management on Spanish R+D groups based on the Leonard-Barton’s (1995) model of knowledge flows. Secondly to analyze the knowledge management levels on university R+D groups and finally to test the links between organizational culture and knowledge management. This instrument was developed to cover the existing gap in the evaluation of knowledge management. The “Knowledge Creation and Dissemination Survey” was administered to four different samples, here we will refer to the sample used for the final validation of the scale, 275 participants from 35 R+D groups. The psychometric properties of the “Knowledge Creation and Dissemination Survey” are adequate. According to the results of the study, the use of this diagnostic tool with university R+D groups seems justified, the knowledge management on these groups seems to be high, and there is a link between organizational culture and knowledge management. The main limitation of the study refers to the sample, future research must continue, extending the sample both in terms of its size and also on its diversity. The paper contributes to management research by presenting a useful, practical tool to evaluate group practices on knowledge management, and by present empirical evidence of the links between organizational culture and knowledge management.
