Working Paper: NBER ID: w16248
Authors: Peter Cappelli
Abstract: The extensive literature on knowledge management spans several fields, but there are remarkably few studies that address the basic question as to whether knowledge management practices improve organizational performance. I examine that question using a national probability sample of establishments, clear measures of IT-driven knowledge management practices, and an experimental design that offers a unique approach for addressing concerns about endogeneity and omitted variables. The results indicate that the use of company intranets, data warehousing practices, performance support systems, and employee competency databases have significant and meaningful effects on a range of relevant business outcomes.
Keywords: Knowledge Management; IT Practices; Organizational Performance
JEL Codes: L23; O31
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| IT-enabled knowledge management practices (O36) | organizational performance (L25) |
| company intranets (L86) | sales per employee (M51) |
| data warehousing practices (C55) | sales per employee (M51) |
| electronic performance support systems (L63) | sales per employee (M51) |
| data warehousing (C55) | scrap costs (L99) |
| electronic performance support systems (L63) | scrap costs (L99) |