A Study Of Knowledge Management Maturity Level In Selected Public University Libraries In Ethiopia

Abstract

Nowadays knowledge and Knowledge Management has become an important role in the competitiveness of the higher learning institutions. Through an efficient KM implementation organizations can tap the real benefits of knowledge usage. A knowledge management Maturity Model can help organizations identify the progress of Knowledge Management and improvements to be made. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge management maturity in selected public university libraries in Ethiopia using General Knowledge Management Maturity Model (G-KMMM). This study also involves critical success factors/barriers for implementation of KM. The methodology employed to conduct this study was survey research and the respondents‟ drawn from Addis Ababa, Dilla and Wolkite Universities, which comprised of library staffs. Simple random sampling method was used to select samples from study population. Data for the study was collected through questionnaire. A research survey method using questionnaire was distributed to 244 library staffs of the university of which 225 (92.2%) were returned and usable for data analysis. The results indicate that, the universities wide KM maturity level for the KM maturity dimension on people was at Awareness level (average score=60%), and on process and technology at Initial level (average score=56% and 58%) respectively. The findings and context of this study indicates that, as a whole, the current knowledge management maturity level at the selected public university is lowest maturity level. This study proposed the roadmaps the three university libraries perspective: roadmaps that allow KM developments to be integrated with KM improvement. This study utilizes G-KMMM in assessing the university libraries KM maturity level through quantitative survey. Analysis of this research shows the different maturity level for each type of university libraries and future study to see the relation with the organization performance and integrated with the information technology.