Title: Investigating knowledge management in emerging markets: an Albanian case example

Authors: Enis Elezi; Christopher Bamber

Addresses: Department of Business and Management, Organisational Learning Centre, 66 Castle Street, Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK ' Department of Business and Management, Organisational Learning Centre, 66 Castle Street, Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK

Abstract: This study investigated knowledge management (KM) practices promoted within international companies and their implications reflected on organisational performance and the development of knowledge and expertise among a domestic workforce. Presented is a variety of insights from the investigation of knowledge transfer (KT) practices promoted by an international company following a foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy. A single case-study research strategy collected in-depth data from participants, company archival documentation and stakeholder information. A series of semi-structured interviews were held with 15 employees, where five participants are heads of the departments and the other participants hold supervisory or other managerial roles. The findings are presented as KT practices which are then discussed in regards to organisational performance and effectiveness. The study concludes that KM is not only important for organisational performance but also for the professional development and well-being of individuals within the organisation and hence helps organisational culture change.

Keywords: Albania; developing countries; knowledge absorptive capacities; knowledge management; knowledge transfer; domestic workforce; foreign direct investment; FDI; effectiveness; organisational performance; professional development; well-being; organisational culture; cultural change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2016.082341

International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2016 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.192 - 215

Received: 01 Oct 2016
Accepted: 05 Oct 2016
Published online: 20 Feb 2017 *

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