Knowledge Management Practices and Performance of Kenya Bureau of Standards

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of Knowledge Management (KM) practices on performance of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The study adopted a descriptive design and data was collected from primary sources using questionnaires. The population of the study comprised of 22 employees at KEBS from the various departments and regional offices. Census was employed and thus the sample size was 22. Primary data was collected by questionnaires, which was coded into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that the key KM practices at KEBS included knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge storage, knowledge retrieval and knowledge dissemination. Knowledge creation had a positive and significant influence on performance of KEBS; knowledge sharing had direct and significant influence on performance of KEBS; knowledge storage had positive and significant effect on performance of KEBS; knowledge retrieval had a positive and significant relationship with performance of KEBS; and knowledge dissemination had positive and significant influence on performance of KEBS. The study concludes that KEBS embraced knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge storage, knowledge retrieval and knowledge dissemination. Knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge storage, knowledge retrieval and knowledge dissemination all had positive and significant influence on performance of KEBS. The study recommends the inculcation of a KM culture as well as adoption of technology as an enabler in KEBS. Due to the nature of KEBS operations that interfaces a lot with external stakeholders, an expert locater system for internal and external knowledge holders would be vital. Knowledge should be considered an input and a critical resource for operations, enhancement of customer satisfaction and realization of strategic direction of KEBS. A risk-based approach in KM is also recommended to ensure risks relating to KM practices are identified and managed as well as harnessing on available opportunities.