Title: Interrelationships among knowledge management, organisational learning and innovation

Authors: Rapee Kanchana, Kris M.Y. Law, Narongsak Comepa, Prichaya Malithong, Kongkiti Phusavat

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathumthanee 12110, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 6/F, Chan Sui Wai Building, Hung Hom, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Abstract: This study aims to describe the interrelationships among knowledge management, organisational learning and innovation. This description potentially helps a company|s preparation for the application of the quality management award. The Thailand Quality Award highlights the interrelationships among knowledge management, workforce focus and leadership as they contribute to learning and innovation, continuous performance improvement and organisational competitiveness. A total of 35 manufacturing firms completed and returned the survey. The interviews with chief quality officers were also conducted to help interpret the survey|s findings. The results show that effective knowledge management will lead to better learning and subsequently more innovativeness in an organisation. These results also indicate the importance of leadership in establishing supportive cultures and working environment for effective knowledge management.

Keywords: quality management; knowledge management; KM; organisational learning; innovation; Thailand Quality Award; workforce focus; leadership; continuous performance; organisational competitiveness; manufacturing firms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2011.038541

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2011 Vol.9 No.2, pp.145 - 162

Published online: 26 Nov 2014 *

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