Performance evaluation of knowledge management among hospital employees
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN: 0952-6862
Article publication date: 14 June 2011
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the cognition of knowledge management (KM) among hospital employees and the relationship between KM and the KM enabler activities (financial, customer, internal business processes, learning and growth) in a regional hospital in Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Both qualitative and quantitative research were used in this study. The instrument was conducted using in‐depth interviews of three policy‐makers as participants. The quantitative data were collected from a regional hospital in the Northern part of Taiwan with a 77 percent effective response rate (n=154).
Findings
The findings in this paper indicate that the cognition and demand for KM in subordinates is close to the expectations of policy‐makers. The policy‐makers expect subordinates working in the hospital to be brave in taking on new responsibilities and complying with hospital operation norms. KM is emphasized as a powerful and positive asset. Moreover, understanding KM predicts good performance in an organization.
Research limitations/implications
The findings in this paper can be generalized to other regional hospitals. The findings may be applied to a wider population.
Practical implications
This study can provide insights into the perceptions and cognitions of workers in a hospital about KM and the activities of KM enablers. The responses and perceptions observed in the interviews in this study, as well as the quantitative research results could be useful to other hospitals and individuals who engage KM as a new management trend.
Originality/value
This study suggested KM guidelines for policy‐makers who are experienced managers.
Keywords
Citation
Chang, Y., Hsu, P., Li, M. and Chang, C. (2011), "Performance evaluation of knowledge management among hospital employees", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 348-365. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861111139188
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited