Management of Knowledge assets: A survey of ISO 9000 series certified organizations in Kenya
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Date
2012-06-25
Authors
Muleji, M.
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Abstract
Creation of value is shifting from the tangible to the intangible. In 1998 only 15% of the market value of the Standard & Poor 500 companies in the Uniied States of America was represented through their tangible assets, 85% of the market value was assigned to intangible assets (Daum, 2001). In addition, for an organization to grow and prosper, it has to develop a capacity to respond well to changes in its environment. Receptiveness to change is best managed in a 'learning organization' that manages and effectively utilizes its knowledge assets (McKenna, 2000). The question is whether organizations in Kenya, in particular ISO 9000 certified ones, are equipped to create value using their knowledge assets. This study examined the management of knowledge assets in ISO 9000 series certified organizations in Kenya and sought to identify the perceived benefits of knowledge assets in ISO 9000 series certified organizations in Kenya. This study will be of immediate use to ISO 9000 series certified organizations in Kenya in particular and generally to the wider corporate sector in Kenya and add to the body of knowledge on management of knowledge assets. In the survey, there was literature review and fieldwork. The target population was ISO 9000 series certified organizations in Kenya from which a sample was picked randomly and subjected to a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of SPSS. The findings show that to a large extent there is generation, acquisition and use of knowledge assets to the financial benefit of ISO 9000 organizations. They also show that staff size and level of turnover of organizations have a large bearing on the extent of adoption of knowledge management practices. The researcher, based on the study findings, recommends urgent improvement in research. Where knowledge processes are in use, improvement in on- the-job training and competency modeling is likely to yield most benefits and should be prioritized.
Description
Department of Accounting and Finance, 73p. The HD 30.2 .M8 2007
Keywords
Knowledge management, Business and economics --Strategic planning, Businness and economics --Management, Business and economics --Knowledge capital, ISO 9000