국내 중소기업의 지식경영 실태에 관한 실증적 연구

(An empirical study on the knowledge management of small and m edium companies)

Various research has been conducted, because of the increasing interest in knowledge management coming toward the new millennium. However, there have not been any empirical studies for small and medium companies •: rather most research is conceptual and definitional, not empirical. So this study focus on the following objectives : First, this study s main purpose is to identify the proper knowledge management model to apply to companies. Second, the following independent variables are examined : degree of understanding of knowledge management, 4 steps knowledge conversion process, knowledge retention. These variables are thought to influence the dependent variances. Also the following dependent variables are examined : introduction status (whether knowledge management has been initiated in the company)，degree of knowledge management practiced, and how much individual knowledge is shared in the organization, The results from the empirical study are the following : First, although degree of understanding of knowledge management is high, introduction status is not high. It is difficult to apply knowledge management into the practical management because of weaknesses of small-medium companies, and improper degree of understanding of knowledge management. Also, although degree of understanding of knowledge management is high, degree of knowledge management practiced is not high. So, we can say, there is no relationship between understanding of knowledge management anddegree of knowledge management practiced. Also, if degree of understanding of knowledge management is high, individual knowledge sharing in organization is high. Second, although the knowledge retention is high, introduction status is not high. We have a limitation, only one responser represents in their firm. And, although the knowledge retention is high, degree of knowledge management practiced is not high. In small-medium companies, they thought all kind of flows of knowledge like word processing and transfer orders constitute knowledge management. Also, if the knowledge retention is high, individual knowledge sharing in the organization is high. Also a positive personality and open mind towards knowledge management is associated with sharing their knowledge. Third, although the 4 steps knowledge conversion process is high, introduction status is not high. Because most small-medium companies become aware of knowledge management through magazines, news papers, or television, they cannot study theory of knowledge management. Moreover, if the company follows the 4 steps knowledge conversion process, knowledge retention is high. However, although the companies follows the 4 steps knowledge conversion process, individual knowledge sharing in organization is not high. It is not a logical result, but we can understand it if we consider the culture of organization. Results from the empirical study indicate that for proper introduction, success, and application of knowledge management, we need a person who directs, leads, and manages our knowledge. We call that person a Chief Knowledge Officer CKO . Who is the CKO, who performs the role of CKO, it doesn t matter greatly. When we introduce, apply knowledge management in small-medium companies, the existence of a CKO is not optional, it is absolutely necessary. We have to recognize that as soon as possible.