An exploration of knowledge management practices in Colombia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the status of knowledge management (KM) practices in private, public and academic sectors in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 50 organizations in Colombia, among the private, public and academic sectors. This was done through analysis of field research, including documentation, an online survey, and conversations with local Colombians representing private, public and academic organizations.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that, although there is a low level of adoption of KM practices in Colombia, there are some interesting cases of organizations that provide exemplars in this field of KM. This demonstrates a growing acceptance of best practices in KM which have been exported and developed in country firms.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is a limitation and future research should expand the sample of the analysis of KM practices in Colombia and other nations in Latin America.

Practical implications

This study provides a clearer understanding of the status of KM in Colombia and the potential of KM adoption in other Latin American organizations.

Originality/value

Scholars and practitioners from all over the world are working to understand the value of KM in various countries. Yet, despite this, no specific research has been conducted on identifying KM practices in Colombia. The results of this research on Colombia provide a benchmark for both scholars and practitioners of KM.

Citation

Baquero, T. and Schulte, W. (2007), "An exploration of knowledge management practices in Colombia", VINE, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 368-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720710825663