Impact of Organisational Demographic Characteristics on Knowledge Management Practices in Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

Purpose: Today's globalised and liberalized economy could rightly be called as knowledge economy. To survive and grow in this dynamic business environments calls for organizations to change their traditional ways of administration. A paradigm shift in the focus of administrators from tangible assets to intangible assets is essential. IT giants such as Wipro, TCS or Infosys and ITES in India have realized and practicing knowledge management. Even though large manufacturing companies, BHEL,TATA Motors and the like have given due importance to knowledge management, generally the situation in manufacturing companies becomes a matter of concern.

Research methodology: Primary data was collected through questionnaire. 106 companies comprising micro, small, medium and large manufacturing from Tamil Nadu, India have participated in the survey.

Findings: While demographic characteristics such as age and size do not significant impact on the knowledge management practices, market orientation, size based on number of employees, annual turnover and nature of operations (ancillary or subsidiary) do have an impact.

Limitations: The study is carried out in manufacturing companies situated in Tamil Nadu only. Generalizations to all the manufacturing companies should be done with caution.

This paper explores the extent of adoption of knowledge management practices and the impact of demographic characteristics on knowledge management in manufacturing companies.