Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance in the Egyptian Software Firms

International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM)

Volumn 3, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 37-66

  Seleim, Ahmed ^a   Khalil, Omar ^b  

^a Alexandria University   (Egypt)

^b KUWAIT UNIVERSITY   (Kuwait)

Author keywords

Egypt; knowledge acquisition; knowledge application; knowledge creation; knowledge documentation; knowledge management; knowledge transfer; organizational performance; software firms

Indexed keywords

EID: 85001785508     PISSN: 15480666     EISSN: 15480658     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.4018/ijkm.2007100103     Document Type: Article

References (120)

1. Albrecht, K. (1996, April 25). Bits and bytes from the Nile. Middle East.
2. Alavi, M., & Leidner, D.E. (2001). Review: Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25, 107–136.
3. Alavi, M., & Tiwana, A. (2000). Knowledge integration in virtual teams: The potential role of KMS. Journal ofthe American Society for Information Science and Technology, 53, 1029–1037.
4. Amabile, T.M., Nasco, C.P., Mueller, J., Wojcik, T., Odomirok, P.W., Marsh, M., et al. (2001). Academic-practitioner collaboration in management research: A case of cross- profession collaboration. Academy of Management Journal, 44(2), 418–431.
5. Antonelli, C. (1999). The Evolution of the industrial organization of the production of knowledge. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 23, 243–260
6. Argote, L., & Ingram, P. (2000). Knowledge transfer: A basis for competitive advantage in firms. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 82, 15–169.
7. Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal ofManagement, 17(1), 99–120.
8. Bartlett, C, & Ghoshal, S. (2000). Going global lesson from late movers. Harvard Business Review, 78, 132–142.
9. Bassie, L.J. (1997). Harnessing the power of intellectual capital. Training & Development, 51, 25–30.
10. Beckman, T. (1999). The current state of knowledge management. In J. Liebowitz (Ed.), Knowledge managementhandbook(pp. 1–22). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
11. Bennett, R., & Gabriel, H. (1999). Organizational factors and knowledge management within large marketing departments: An empirical study. Journal of Knowledge Management, 3(3), 212–225.
12. Bierly, P., & Chakrabarti, A. (1996). Generic knowledge strategies in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. Strategic Management Journal, 17 (Winter Special Issue), 123–135.
13. Bloodgood, J.M., & Salisbury, W.D. (2001). Understanding the infuence of organizational change strategies on information technology and knowledge management strategies. Decision Support Systems, 31, 55–69.
14. Borys, B., & Jemison, D.B. (1989). Hybrid arrangements as strategic alliances: Theoretical issues in organizational combinations. Academy of Management Review, 14(2), 234–250.
15. Camelo-Ordaz, M.C., Fernandez-Alles, M., Martín-Alcázar, F, Romero-Fernández, P.M., & Cabrera, R. V. (2004). Internal diversifcation strategies and the processes of knowledge creation. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(1), 77–93.
16. Cavaleri, SA. (2004). Leveraging organizational learning for knowledge and performance. The Learning Organization, 11(2), 159–176.
17. Choi, B., & Lee, H. (2003). An empirical investigation of KM styles and their effect on corporate performance. Information & Management, 40(5), 403–417.
18. Cohen, W.M., & Levinthal, D.A. (1990). Absorptive capacity: A new perspective learning and innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 35(1), 128–152.
19. Connor, K.R., & Prahalad, C.K. (1996). A resource-based theory of the firm: Knowledge versus opportunism. Organizational Science, 7, 477–501.
20. Darr, E.D., Argote, L., & Epple, D. (1995). The acquisition, transfer, and depreciation of knowledge in service organizations: Productivity in franchises. Management Science, 41(11), 1750–1762.
21. Darroch, J. (2003). Developing a measure of knowledge management behaviors and practices. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(5), 41–54.
22. Darroch & McNaughton (2002). Developing a measure of knowledge management. In N. Bontis (Ed.), World congress of intellectual capital readings (pp. 226–242). Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann-KMCI Press.
23. Das, S., Sen, P.K., & Sengupta, S. (2003). Strategic alliances: A valuable way to manage intellectual capital. Journal of intellectual capital, 4(1), 10–19.
24. Davenport, T.H., & Prusak, L. (1998). Working knowledge: How organizations manage what they know. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
25. Delaney, J.T., & Huselid, MA. (1996). The impact of human resource management practices on perceptions of organizational performance. Academy of Management Journal, 39, 949–969.
26. Demarest, M. (1997). Understanding knowledge management. Long Range Planning, 30, 374–384.
27. Demsetz, H. (1991). The theory of the firm revisited. In OE. Williamson & S. Winter (Eds.), The nature of the firm (pp. 159–178). New York: Oxford University Press.
28. de Pablos, P.O. (2002). Knowledge management and organizational learning: Typologies of knowledge strategies in the Spanish manufac-turing industry from 1995 to 1999. Journal of Knowledge Management, 6(1), 52–62.
29. Dess, G. (1987). Consensus on strategy formulation and organizational performance: Competitors in fragmented industry. Strategic Management Journal, 8(3), 259–277.
30. Dess, G.G., & Robinson, R.B. (1984). Measuring organizational performance in the absence of objective measures. Strategic Management Journal, 5, 265–273.
31. Dollinger, M.J., & Golden, PA. (1992). Interorganizational and collective strategies in small firms: Environmental effects and performance. Journal of Management, 18, 695–713.
32. Drucker, PF. (1993). Post-capitalist society. New York: HarperCollins.
33. Edward, C, Feng, K., & Liou, W. (2005). Implementation of knowledge management systems and firm performance: An empirical investigation. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 45(2), 92–104.
34. Faraj, S., & Sproull, L. (2000). Coordinating expertise in software development teams. Management Science, 46(12), 59–85.
35. Filius, R., de Jong, J., & Roelofs, E. (2000). Knowledge management in the HRD office: A comparison of three cases. Journal of Workplace Learning, 12(7), 286–295.
36. Fornell, C, & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18, 39–50.
37. Fornell, C, & Cha, J. (1994). Partial least square. In R. P. Bagozzi (Ed.), Advanced methods of marketing research. Oxford: Basil Blackwell Ltd.
38. Garvin, D.A. (1994). Building a learning organization. Business Credit, 96(1), 19–28.
39. Gold, A.H., Malhotra, A., & Segars, A.H. (2001). Knowledge management: An organizational capabilities perspective. Journal of Management Information Systems, 18, 185–214.
40. Gorelick, C, & Tantawy-Monsou, B. (2005). For performance through learning, knowledge management is the critical practice. The Learning Organization: InternationalJournal, 12(2), 125–139.
41. Grant, R.M. (1996). Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17(Winter Special Issue), 109–122.
42. Hair, J.F., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R.L., & Black W.C. (1998). Multivariate data analysis. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.
43. Hall, R., & Andriani, P. (2002). Managing knowledge for innovation. Long Range Planning, 35, 29–48
44. Hamel, G. (1991). Competition for competence and inter-partner learning within international strategic alliances. Strategic Management Journal, 12(Summer Special Issue), 83–103.
45. Hansen, M.T., Nohria, N., & Tierney, T. (1999). What's your strategy for managing knowledge? Harvard Business Review, 77, 106–116.
46. Hansen, G., & Wernerfelt, B. (1989). Determinants of firm performance: The relative importance of economic and organizational factors. Strategic Management Journal, 10(5), 399–411.
47. Hasan, H., & Al-hawari, M. (2003). Management styles and performance: A knowledge space framework. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(4), 15–28.
48. Hedlund, G. (1994). A model of knowledge management and the n-form corporation. Strategic Management Journal, 15, 73–90.
49. Hoffman, J.J., Hoelscher, M., & Sherif, K. (2005). Knowledge management and sustainable superior performance. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(3), 93–100.
50. Holsapple, C.W., & Joshi, K.D. (1999). Knowledge selection: Concepts, issues, and technology. In J. Liebowitz (Ed.), (pp, 7–1, 7–17). New York: CRC Press.
51. Holsapple, C.W., & Jones, K. (2004). Exploring primary activities of the knowledge chain. Knowledge and Process Management, 11(3), 155–174.
52. Holsapple, C.W., & Jones, K. (2005). Exploring the secondary activities of the knowledge chain. Knowledge and Process Management, 12(1), 3–31.
53. House, R., Spangler, W., & Woycke, J. (1991, September). Personality and charisma in U.S presidency: A psychological theory of leader effectiveness. ASQ, 36(3), 364–396.
54. Howeidy, A. (1999, September 1). The software challenge. Al-Ahram Weekly, (447), 16–22.
55. Huber, G.P. (1991). Organizational learning: The contributing processes and the literatures. Organization Science, 2(1), 88–115.
56. Hulland, J. (1999). Use of partial least squares (PLS) in strategic management research: A review of four recent studies. Strategic Management Journal, 20, 195–204.
57. Hussi, T (2004). Reconfguring knowledge management-combining intellectual capital, intangible assets and knowledge creation. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8, 36–52.
58. Ichijo, K., Krogh, G.V., & Nonaka, I. (1998). Knowledge enablers. In G.V. Krogh, J. Roos, & D. Kleine, (Eds.), Knowing in firms: Understanding, managing and measuring knowledge (pp. 174–203). Thousand Oaks, CA: AGE Publication INC.
59. Javidan, M., & House, R. (2001). Culture acumen for the GLOBE manager: Lessons from project GLOBE. Organizational Dynamics, 29(4), 289–305.
60. Jennex, M.E., & Olfman, L.(2002). Organizational memory/knowledge effects on productivity, a longitudinal study. In Proceedings of the 35th Hawaii International conference on System Sciences, 10 pgs.
61. Jennex, M.E., & Olfman, L. (2005). Assessing knowledge management success. International Journal of Knowledge Management, 1(2), pp. 33–49.
62. Johnston, R., & Blumentritt, R. (1998). Knowledge moves to centre stage. Science Communication, 20(1) 99–105.
63. Kalling, T. (2003). Knowledge management and the occasional links with performance. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7, 67–81.
64. Kautz, K., Thay sen, K., & Vendelo, M.T. (2002). Knowledge creation and IT systems in a small software firm. OR Insight, 15, 11–17.
65. Kim, D., & Kogut, B. (1996). Technological plat-forms and diversifcation. OrganizationScience, 7(3), 283–301.
66. Kogut, B., & Zander, U. (1996). What firms do? Coordination, identity, and learning. Organization Science, 7(5), 502–518.
67. Kremp, E., & Mairesse, J. (2004, January). Knowledge management, innovation and productivity: A firm level exploration based on French manufacturing CIS 3 data (Working Paper No. 10237). Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research.
68. Lee, H., & Choi, B. (2003). Knowledge management enablers, processes, and organizational performance: An integrative view and empirical examination. Journal ofManagement Information Systems, 20(1), 179–229
69. Lee, K.C., Lee, S., & Kang, I.W. (2005). KMPI: Measuring knowledge management performance. Information & Management, 42, 469–482.
70. Liebowitz, J. (2005). Linking social network analysis with the analytic hierarchy process for knowledge mapping in organizations. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(1), 76–86.
71. Linderman, K., Schroeder, R.G., Zaheer, S., Leidtke, C, & Choo, A.S. (2004). Integrating quality management practices with knowledge creation processes. Journal of Operations Management. 22(6), 589–607.
72. Liu, P., Chen, W., & Tasi, C. (2004). An empirical study on the correlation between knowledge management capability and competitiveness in Taiwan's industries. Technovation, 24(12), 971–977.
73. Loermans, J. (2002). Synergizing the learning organization and knowledge management Journal of Knowledge Management, 6, 285–294.
74. Lopez, S.P., Peon, J.M.M., & Ordas, C.J.V. (2004). Managing knowledge: The link between culture and organizational learning. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(6), 93–104.
75. Lyes, M.A., & Salk, JE. (1996). Knowledge acquisition from foreign parents in international joint ventures: An empirical examination in the Hungarian context Journal of International Business, 27(5), 877–903.
76. Machlup, F. (1962). The production and distribution of knowledge in the United States. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
77. Machlup, F. (1983). Knowledge, its creation, distribution and economic signifcance. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
78. Makino, S., & Delios, A. (1996). Local knowledge transfer and performance: Implications for alliances formation in Asia. Journal of International Business, 27(5), 905–927.
79. Markus, M.L. (2001). Toward a theory of knowledge reuse, types of knowledge reuse situation and factors in reuse success. Journal ofManagement Information Systems, 18, 57–93.
80. Marr, B., Gupta, O., Pike, S., & Roos, G. (2003). Intellectual capital and knowledge management effectiveness. Management Decision, 41, 771–781.
81. Mason, D., & Pauleen, D.J. (2003). Perceptions of knowledge management: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(4), 38–48.
82. Mathiassen, L., & Pourkomeylian, P. (2003). Managing knowledge in a software organization. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(2), 63–80.
83. Nahapiet, J., & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational advantage. Academy ofManagement Review, 23(2), 242–266.
84. Nelson, K.M., & Cooprider, JG. (1996). The contribution of shared knowledge to IS group performance. MIS Quarterly, 20(4), 409–432.
85. Nonaka, I. (1994). A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation. Organization Science, 5(10), 14–37.
86. Nonaka, I., Byosiere, P., & Konno, N. (1994). Organizational knowledge creation theory: A first comprehensive test. InternationalBusiness Review, 3, 337–351.
87. Nonaka, I., & Reinmoeller, P. (2000). Dynamic business systems for knowledge creation and utilization. In C. Despres & D. Chauvel (Eds.), Knowledge horizons: The present and promise of knowledge management (pp.89–112). New York: Butter-worth-Heinemann,.
88. Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge creating company-how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford University Press.
89. Pablos, P.O. (2002). Evidence of intellectual capital measurement from Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 3, 287–302.
90. Penrose, E.T. (1959). The theory of the growth of the firm. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
91. Powell, T.C. (1992). Organizational alignment as competitive advantage. Strategic Management Journal, 13, 119–134.
92. Powell, T.C., & Dent-Micallef, A. (1997). Information technology and competitive advantage: The role of human, business, and technology resources. Strategic Management Journal, 18(5), 375–405.
93. Prahalad, C.K., & Hamel, G. (1990). The core competence of the corporation. Harvard Business Review, 68(3), 79–91.
94. Rastogi, P.N. (2002). Knowledge management and intellectual capital. Human Systems Management, 22, 229–240.
95. Reinmoreller, P., & Chong, L.C. (2002). Managing the knowledge-creating context: A strategic time approach. Creative and Innovation Management, 11, 165–174.
96. Salojarvi, S., Furu, P., & Sveiby, K. (2005). Knowledge management and growth in Finnish SMEs. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(2), 103–122.
97. Sambamurthy, V., & Subramani, M. (2005). Special issue on information technologies and knowledge management. MIS Quarterly, 29(1), 1–7.
98. Seleim, A., Ashour, A., & Khalil, O. (2005a). Knowledge documentation and application in the Egyptian software firms. Journal of Information & Knowledge Management, 4, 47–59.
99. Seleim, A., Ashour, A., & Khalil, O. (2005b). Knowledge acquisition and transfer in Egyptian software firms. International Journal ofKnowledge Management, 1(4), forthcoming.
100. Sharkie,R. (2003). Knowledge creation and its place in the development of sustainable competitive advantage. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(1), 20–31.
101. Shenkar, O, & Li, J. (1999). Knowledge search in international cooperative ventures. Organization Science, 10(2), 134–143.
102. Spanson, Y.E., & Lioukas, S. (2001). An examination into the causal logic of rent generation: Contrast Porter's competitive strategy framework and the resources based perspective. Strategic Management Journal, 22(10) 907–934.
103. Spender, J.C. (1996). Competitive advantage from tacit knowledge? Unpacking the concept and its strategic implications. In B. Moingeon & A. Edmondson (Eds), Organizational learning and competitive advantage (pp. 56–73). London: Sage.
104. Stein, E.W., & Zwass, V. (1995). Actualizing organizational memory with information systems. Information Systems Research, 6(2), 86–117.
105. Stewart, TA. (1997). Intellectual capital: The new wealth of organizations. New York: Double Day Publishing Group, Inc.
106. Stovel, M., & Bontis, N. (2002). Voluntary turnover: Knowledge management-friend or foe? Journal of Intellectual Capital, 3, 303–322.
107. Sveiby, KE. (2001). A knowledge-based theory of the firm to guide in strategy formulation. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 2(4), 344–358.
108. Syed-Ikhsan, S.O., & Rowland, F. (2004). Knowledge management in a public organization: A study on the relationship between organizational elements and the performance of knowledge transfer. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8, 95–111.
109. Teece, D.J. (1998). Capturing valuefrom knowledge assets: The new economy, markets for know-how and intangible assets. California Management Review, 40, 55–79.
110. Teece, D.J. (2000). Strategies for managing knowledge assets: The role of firm structure and industrial context. Long Range Planning, 33, 35–54.
111. Tippins, M.J., & Sohi, R.S. (2003). IT competence and firm performance: Is organizational learning a missing link. Strategic Management Journal, 24(8), 745–761.
112. Tsai, W. (2001). Knowledge transfer in intraorganizational networks: Effects of network position and absorptive capacity on business unit innovation and performance. Academy of Management Journal, 44(5), 996–1004.
113. Venkatraman, N., & Ramanujam, V. (1987). Measurement of business economic performance: An examination of method convergence. Journal of Management, 13, 109–123.
114. Wagner, BA. (2003). Learning and knowledge transfer in partnering: An empirical case study. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(2), 97–113
115. Walsh, J.P., & Ungson, G.R. (1991). Organizational memory. Academy of Management Review, 16, 57–91.
116. Wiig, K.M. (1997). Integrating intellectual capital and knowledge management. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 399–405.
117. Wiig, K.M. (2002). Knowledge management in public administration. Journal of Knowledge Management, 6, 224–239.
118. Yeo, R. (2003). The tangibles and intangibles of organizational performance. TeamPerformance Management, 9(7/8), 199–204.
119. Zack, M. (1999). Developing a knowledge strategy. California Management Review, 41(3), 125–146.
120. Zhang, L., Tian, Y, & Qi, Z. (2006). Impact of organizational memory on organizational performance: An empirical study. The Business Review, 5(1), 227–232.