Revisiting Knowledge Management Practices - Saudi Arabia Context

Abstract

After a decade of sustained oil-based growth, KSA is at a transition towards knowledge-based economy. Today, achieving that goal has become essential. To address these change  challenges, knowledge is increasingly accessed and shared across different functional departments and professionals. This knowledge interdependence creates new management challenges resulting from the risks and difficulties of knowledge transactions across boundaries. Providing access to key tacit and explicit knowledge to decision makers during potential changes seems to be critical for effective decision-making. Recent technological developments have made a significant and positive impact on the ability and desire to manage knowledge. These challenges have made the government think to adopt Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives. Before embarking on a KM journey, decision makers have to understand what it is that they would like to achieve with KM and what value it needs to add to their organisation in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. The scarcity of knowledge and expertise a huge challenge for many KSA public sector organisations. Therefore, training and education related to the management of knowledge will help leaders, managers, and change agents to better understand on how to craft and implement various KM strategies for competitive advantage. This paper is based on a thorough review of the empirical literature, exploring the significance of KM, and challenges to implementing KM strategies within KSA public sector organisations.