Knowledge management diagnosis the case of a research and development organization

Knowledge is recognized as an important resource for organizations to become competitive in their market. The management of this resource consists of a practice adopted by organizations that search for efficiency and effectiveness of their processes. This research carried out a knowledge management diagnosis in a research and development organization in Florianopolis. It is an applied research, with a qualitative and descriptive approach. Knowledge management diagnostic model proposed by Bukowitz and Williams (2002) was applied to five leaders of a knowledge-intensive research and development organization. The findings showed that knowledge management of the organization presented low evaluation in the perception of the managers. Most below-average results are found in sections of tacit level of knowledge management process (Get, Learn and Contribute). Only the Use section was better judged by leaders. At strategic level, we highlight the Evaluate section with the lowest result and the Build/Hold section as the best evaluated section. Due to this diagnosis, an action program was developed aiming at improvement in those sections with low evaluation.