Owusu-Manu, D G; John Edwards, D; Pärn, E A; Antwi-Afari, M F and Aigbavboa, C (2018) The knowledge enablers of knowledge transfer: A study in the construction industries in Ghana. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(2), pp. 194-210. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This research aims to investigate and identify knowledge transfer (KT) enablers within the developing country of Ghana. These enablers act as mechanisms to stimulate knowledge creation, knowledge protection and build effective knowledge-sharing (KS) behaviour in construction companies – consequently, they are crucial to business survival in a globally competitive market. Design/methodology/approach: A perception questionnaire survey was used to elicit responses from construction practitioners using purposive and snowballing non-probability sampling techniques. Summary statistical analysis and a chi-square test was used to uncover relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Findings: An empirical examination of data collected indicated that knowledge strategy, organizational culture, information technology and knowledge leadership as knowledge enablers have a significant positive relationship with KT. Future research is however required to measure transfer within an organization vis-à-vis measure perception of such. Originality/value: The work presents a rare glimpse of the relationship between knowledge enablers and KT (particularly in a developing country context) and as such provides utility to policymakers and construction firms to enhance their knowledge capabilities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | enablers; Ghana; knowledge sharing; knowledge transfer |
| Index terms: | questionnaire, developing country context, knowledge transfer, methodology, organizational culture, information technology, dependent variable, developing country, construction practitioner, knowledge sharing, construction firm, survey, construction company, strategy, sampling, knowledge creation, survival, construction industry, Ghana, statistical analysis |
| Subjects: | sociology, industry analysis, statistical analysis, management, research methods, Geography, socioeconomic context, professional development, development economics, knowledge management, environmental science, data science, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, organization, computing systems |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, International Construction, Governance, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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