The Relationship Between Knowledge Management Initiatives and Human Resource Capability: Towards a Competitive Firm Performance

The Relationship between Knowledge Management Initiatives and Human Resource Capability: Towards a Competitive Firm Performance

Norhaiza Binti Ishak
Faculty of Business and Law, Melaka Campus,
Multimedia University, Ayer Keroh Lama, 75450 Melaka
Email: [e-mail]

Uchenna C. Eze
Faculty of Business and Law, Melaka Campus,
Multimedia University, Ayer Keroh Lama, 75450 Melaka
Email: [e-mail]

Abstract
Knowledge is increasingly becoming a catalyst for change and creativity in organizations: enabling effective production, marketing, sales, administrative, operational and strategic activities. Existing literature in knowledge management, however, has focused mainly on generic benefits derivable from knowledge management applications. This paper examines the roles knowledge and knowledge management could play in enhancing human resource effectiveness among Malaysian firms. To achieve this objective we will conduct a detailed literature review on the implications of knowledge management on effective human resource development, and the consequences for firm performance. We propose that firms that develop strong knowledge management culture and apply lessons from this developed culture would be able to achieve high performance level compared to firms that do otherwise. In addition, when a firm is able to perform more effectively compare to competitors, there is the tendency for these firms to achieve competitive advantage. This paper could serve as a frame of reference for future researchers with respect to literature, and may enable practitioners to gain better understanding of key requirements for maintaining competitive performance via effective integration of knowledge management (KM) and human resource activities.

Keywords: Human Resource Capability, Knowledge, Knowledge Management, Competitive Performance, Malaysia

1. Introduction
For countries in the vanguard of the world economy, the balance between knowledge

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