Effect of Knowledge Management Strategies on Competitive Performance of Large Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the effect of knowledge management strategies on performance of large manufacturing firms in Kenya.  The objectives of this study were therefore to examine the effect of human resource management strategy, orgarnizational processes strategy and  technology management strategy on competitive performance for large manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population was 34 manufacturing firms in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 102 managerial participants from the selected firms.  A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Pilot study was done to evaluate the validity and reliability of the research instruments through content validity and Cronbach’s alpha technique respectively. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative techniques. A multiple regression model was used to test the relationship between the study variables. The study hypothesis was tested at 95% level of significance. The study findings indicated that knowledge acquisition strategy has a positive and significant effect on competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya (Beta = .293, Sig = .030, < .05) ; HR management strategy has a positive and significant effect on competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya (Beta = .299, Sig = .006, < .05) ; innovation technology management as a strategy has a positive and significant effect on competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya (Beta = .343, Sig = .001, < .05) and organizational processes strategy has a positive but not significant effect on competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Kenya (Beta = .158, Sig = .389, > .05). It was recommended that to enhance their competitive performance, manufacturing firms need to improve knowledge management strategies by investing more in knowledge acquisition practices as well as innovation technology management practices and also improving their HR management strategies as well as organizational processes strategies. 

Key Words: Human Resource Management Strategy, Orgarnizational Processes Strategy, Technology Management Strategy, Competitive Performance, Large Manufacturing Firms In Kenya