A review of literature on knowledge management strategy - lessons learned for the construction industry and for research

In business management, the management of knowledge has been touted as the way forward in ensuring the survival and resilience of organisations. But differing opinions abound as to how its strategies could be successfully managed. Despite the increase in adoption of knowledge management concepts in other industrial sectors, the construction industry has, arguably, been slow to adopt effective knowledge management practices and strategies, and exploiting the potential benefits of knowledge management concepts and initiatives. This paper reviews available literature on knowledge management practices and strategies in other sectors and attempts to reconcile these strategies with what pertains in the construction industry. The paper also discusses the importance of knowledge management to organisational survival and competitiveness. It proffers some suggestions as to the factors that are worthy of consideration for knowledge management strategies that could be of benefit to construction organisations. It concludes by drawing our attention to the complexities of factors impacted upon the success of knowledge management strategies and initiatives. It also argues that these complexities raise interesting challenges for organisations and for research strategies and designs used in examining knowledge management strategies and practices in construction organisations. Keywords: Knowledge Management, Organisational Strategy, Construction Organisations