Knowledge Management Profile maturity model

This article is devoted to the formulation of a new knowledge management maturity model, which is believed to be of vital importance in the quest of the successful knowledge management practice. The main objective of our research is to develop a practically applicable and, at the same time, theoretically and methodologically founded approach that contributes to the exploration and realisation of knowledge management practice. The authors have undertaken an empirical survey in Hungary, which has investigated the characteristic features of knowledge management in small-, middle- and large sized enterprises and institutions applying quantitative methods. Based on this survey's results the authors use principal factor analysis to identify determinant factors of knowledge management practice. By indicating the factor values in a net chart, the authors form a new, insightful continuous maturity model, named "Knowledge Management Profile". The model names area(s) to be identified with the help of the knowledge management factors, within which areas the given organization can develop its knowledge management practice. For knowledge-intensive organizations, it is important to carry out an objective assessment of their current position in the area of knowledge management activities and processes. Uncertainty presents a barrier to the introduction of suitable activities for improving knowledge management. The authors believe that the results of the research will be significant to practice and will provide substantial support for leaders and managers. To ensure success and long-term existence of any organizations effective application of organizational knowledge and knowledge management practice is of critical importance. Besides simply assessing the benefits inherent in knowledge management, the organizations must learn to recognize and manage the different areas of their knowledge management practice. The authors are aware of the limitations of this research, as only 130 Hungarian organizations have taken part in the questionnaire survey, which is the basic of their analyses. There is scope to develop this research by conducting further empirical studies on a wider basis. Therefore, for future research, a more developed version of the "Knowledge Management Profile" could incorporate other external factors, which have an impact on knowledge management, such as organizational culture, structure, or leadership.