A comparison Analysis of Knowledge Management Process in International and Local Non-governmental Organizations Operating in Northeast Syria

  • Nechirvan A. Othman István Széchenyi Doctoral School, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, University of Sopron, Hungary. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0412-576X
  • Bartok I. Istivan István Széchenyi Doctoral School, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, University of Sopron, Hungary https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9704-4151
Keywords: Building Knowledge, Holding Knowledge, Pooling Knowledge, using Knowledge, Organizations development

Abstract

This study examines the Knowledge Management (KM) processes within International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and Local Non-Governmental Organizations (LNGOs) operating in Northeast Syria (NES), We employ a survey methodology that comprises 34 items and measures four key KM processes: Building Knowledge, Holding Knowledge, Pooling Knowledge, and Using Knowledge. The survey was internet-based and distributed to both INGOs and LNGOs employees in NES Through a multi-stage approach utilizing volunteer and convenience sampling techniques, which achieved 101 responses. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, including reliability tests, and mean comparisons, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for hypothesis testing. Results indicate significant differences in Building and Using Knowledge between INGOs and LNGOs, with no significant differences in holding and pooling Knowledge. Which reflected in that INGOs exhibit a top-down approach to knowledge building, emphasizing learning from managers and experts. Conversely, LNGOs favor a more grassroots approach, highlighting innovation and improvement at the individual level. The study suggests that future research should explore the practical implications of KM processes within NGOs to enhance organizational performance and mission fulfillment. Specifically, an in-depth investigation into why LNGOs lag in holding knowledge compared to INGOs.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Nechirvan A. Othman, István Széchenyi Doctoral School, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, University of Sopron, Hungary.

Nechirvan Othman is a PhD researcher at the University of Sopron, holding an MSC degree in Business Management. His research focuses on strategy and knowledge management within non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Bartok I. Istivan, István Széchenyi Doctoral School, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, University of Sopron, Hungary

István János Bartók, Assistant Professor at the University of Sopron and Corvinus University of Budapest, is an academic researcher in the field of Business Economics. His research focuses on International Business Economics, Innovation and Strategy, and Corporate Governance. Professor Bartók research investigates strategic innovations and effective governance and them role to drive business growth and sustainability in a global context

References

Al Ahbabi, S.A., Singh, S.K., Balasubramanian, S., & Gaur, S.S. (2018). Employee perception of impact of knowledge management processes on public sector performance. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(2), 351-373.

Ariffin, S.N.F.S., Abidin, N.Z., Rosly, M.A., & Saihani, S.B. (2023). Factors inducing the adoption of Knowledge Management System (KMS) In SMEs, large and government organizations. What are the intercepting factors? A systematic review. Information Management and Business Review, 15(1), 140-148.

Budur, T., Abdullah, H., Rashid, C.A., & Demirer, H. (2024). The connection between knowledge management processes and sustainability at higher education institutions. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-023-01664-4.

Cabeza-Pullés, D., Fernández-Pérez, V., & Roldán-Bravo, M.I. (2020). Internal networking and innovation ambidexterity: The mediating role of knowledge management processes in university research. European Management Journal, 38(3), 450-461.

Corfield, A., Paton, R., & Little, S. (2013). Does knowledge management work in NGOs?: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Public Administration, 36(3), 179-188.

Dalkir, K. (2023). Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice. 4th ed. United States: The MIT Press.

Donate, M.J., & Sánchez de Pablo, J.D. (2015). The role of knowledge-oriented leadership in knowledge management practices and innovation. Journal of Business Research, 68(2), 360-370.

Fan, Z., & Beh, L.S. (2024). Knowledge sharing among academics in higher education: A systematic literature review and future agenda. Educational Research Review, 42, 100573.

Girard, J., Girard, J., & Sagology. (2015). Defining knowledge management: Toward an applied compendium. Online Journal of Applied Knowledge Management, 3, 1-20.

González-Illescas, M., & Zaragoza-Sáez, P. (2023). Influence of knowledge management infrastructure on knowledge creation processes. A study in the primary sector. Heliyon, 9(9), e19536.

Grundstein, M. (2012). Three postulates that change knowledge management paradigm. In: Hou, H.T., (ed.) New Research on Knowledge Management Models and Methods. London: InTech.

Huang, L.S., Quaddus, M., Rowe, A.L., & Lai, C.P. (2011). An investigation into the factors affecting knowledge management adoption and practice in the life insurance business. Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 9(1), 58-72.

Idrees, H., Xu, J., Haider, S.A., & Tehseen, S. (2023). A systematic review of knowledge management and new product development projects: Trends, issues, and challenges. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 8(2), 100350

Jameel, A., Massoudi, A., & Agha, A. (2021). Knowledge sharing among academic staff in the higher education institutions. Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), 67-74.

Jarrahi, M.H., Askay, D., Eshraghi, A., & Smith, P. (2023). Artificial intelligence and knowledge management: A partnership between human and AI. Business Horizons, 66(1), 87-99.

Kelly, P.R. (2018). An activity theory study of data, knowledge, and power in the design of an international development NGO impact evaluation. Information Systems Journal, 28(3), 465-488.

Kuo, V. (2019). Latent Semantic Analysis for Knowledge Management in Construction. Otaniemi: Aalto University.

Massoudi, A., & Birdwood, H. (2023). Applying knowledge management processes to improve institutional performance. Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(1), 1-10.

Michalová, T., & Sieber, J. (2023). Challenges and opportunities in knowledge management in the concept of industry 5.0. Liberec Economic Forum, 2023, 358-366.

Miković, R., Petrović, D., Mihić, M., Obradović, V., & Todorović, M. (2020). The integration of social capital and knowledge management - The key challenge for international development and cooperation projects of nonprofit organizations. International Journal of Project Management, 38(8), 515-533.

Nafei, W.A. (2016). Knowledge Management: The Key to Organizational Success. Available from: https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=3416395 [Last accessed on 2024 Jan 10].

Ode, E., & Ayavoo, R. (2020). The mediating role of knowledge application in the relationship between knowledge management practices and firm innovation. Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, 5(3), 210-218.

Oktari, R.S., Latuamury, B., Idroes, R., Sofyan, H., & Munadi, K. (2023). Knowledge management strategy for managing disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: SWOT analysis based on the analytic network process. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 85, 103503.

Ramlan, R., Omar, S.S., Chan, S.W., Yassin, A.M., & Joy, C.K. (2015). Knowledge management in NGOs: A preliminary study in Malaysia. Advanced Science Letters, 21(5), 1579-1583.

Sabherwal, R., Steelman, Z., & Becerra-Fernandez, I. (2023). Knowledge management mechanisms and common knowledge impacts on the value of knowledge at individual and organizational levels. International Journal of Information Management, 72, 102660.

Sunassee, N.N., & Sewry, D.A. (2002). A theoretical framework for knowledge management implementation. In: Proceedings of the 2002 Annual Research Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists on Enablement through Technology. p235-245. Available from: https://idisk.free.fr/.ifolder/.net/.mi7.org.uk/pdf/paper-knowledge-theory.pdf[Last accessed on 2024 Jan 10].

Tzortzaki, A.M., & Mihiotis, A. (2014). A review of knowledge management theory and future directions: Knowledge management: Theory and future directions. Knowledge and Process Management, 21(1), 29-41.

Wiig, K.M. (1993). Knowledge Management Foundations: Thinking about Thinking: How People and Organizations Create, Represent, and Use Knowledge. Arlington, TX.: Schema Press.

details/knowledgemanagem0000wiig [Last accessed on 2024 Jan 10]. Wiig, K.M. (1997). Knowledge management: An introduction and perspective. Journal of Knowledge Management, 1(1), 6-14.

Wolski, M., & Gomolińska, A. (2020). Data meaning and knowledge discovery: Semantical aspects of information systems. International Journal of Approximate Reasoning, 119, 40-57.

Yousif, N.B.A., Grondys, K., Gad, S., & Elsayed, W. (2020). Knowledge management in non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Administratie Si Management Public, 1(35), 90-108.

Zhang, W., Jiang, Y., Zhou, W., & Pan, W. (2022). Antecedents of knowledge seeking intentions and efforts within new product development teams: Empirical evidence from knowledge-based Chinese companies. Journal of Knowledge Management, 27, 356-382.

Published
2025-01-01
How to Cite
Othman, N., & Istivan, B. (2025). A comparison Analysis of Knowledge Management Process in International and Local Non-governmental Organizations Operating in Northeast Syria. Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(1), 13-22. https://doi.org/10.24086/cuejhss.v9n1y2025.pp13-22
Section
Articles