Designing and Evaluating a Conceptual Strategic Model for Storytelling in Knowledge Management

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Tarbiat Modares University

Abstract

Nowadays, innovation and organizational agilities are competitive advantages and knowledge management (KM) is one of the most important tools for creating competitive advantages, while having clear strategy is a way to succeed in KM. Moreover, storytelling is suggested as a simple and guaranteed tool for KM implementation. Therefore, this study aims to present a conceptual strategic model for storytelling in KM with two main stages and seven steps. The proposed model includes the following stages by concentrating on "people", "process" and "technology": The first stage, "philosophy and theoretical fundamental steps", has one single step of "analyzing organizational mission, vision and strategy", from the point of view of storytelling in KM. In this stage, the optimum organizational mission, vision and strategy are determined based on the effective elements. The second stage, "executive steps", consists of six steps starting with "analyzing status quo" step from intra- and inter-organizational points of view, continuing with "determining desirable status" step to offer "solutions for reaching the optimum status", and ending with "selecting an appropriate strategy" to "implementing" and "constantly improving" it based on feedbacks. Finally, the proposed model is evaluated using experts (in the fields of strategic and knowledge management) survey and verified by 95% certainty. Also, Friedman test shows that layers of the model are homogenous with a certainty of 95%.

Keywords


[1]   Afraze, A. “Knowledge management (concepts, patterns, measurement and   implementation)”, 2thEdition, Tehran: Amirkabir University of   Technology, 2007.
[2]   Cacciatori, E. "Memory objects in project environments: Storing.   retrieving and adapting learning in project-based firms," Research   Policy, 37(9), pp. 1591-1601, 2008.
[3]   Shami Zanjani, M. Farzane, N. “Storytelling and Knowledge Management”, Journal   of Information Technology Management (JITM), 2012.
[4]   Khadivar, A. “Developing KM strategy in Iran Khodro Co.”, Third International   Project Management Conference, Tehran, 2010.
[5] Beer,   M. Voelpel, S.C. Leibold, M. Tekie, E.B. "Strategic management as   organizational learning: Developing fit and alignment through a disciplined   process," Long Range Planning, 38(5), pp. 445-465, 2005.
[6] Curado,   C. "Perceptions of knowledge management and intellectual capital in the   banking industry," Journal of Knowledge Management, 12(3), pp.141−155,   2008.
[7]-   Sareminia, S. Satar, M. “Provide Conceptual Model of Knowledge Management   Strategy”, Third National Conference on Industrial Engineering and Systems, Tehran,   2012.
[8] Wu,   W.W. Lee, T. "Selecting knowledge management strategies by using the   analytic network process" Expert Systems with Applications, 32(3), pp.   841-847, 2007.
[9] Holsapple,   C. W. Jones, K. "Exploring primary activities of the knowledge   chain," Knowledge and Process Management, 11(3), p. 155−174, 2004.
[10]   Einabadi, D. “Provide a framework and template for developing and aligning a   knowledge management strategy with a business strategy”, Third International   Project Management Conference, Tehran, 2010.
[11]   Nonaka, I. "A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation,"   Organization Science, 5(1), pp. 14-37, 1994.
[12]   Friedman, R. Prusak, L. "On heuristics,narrative and knowledge   management" Technovation, 28 (12), pp. 812-817, 2008.
[13]   Gorman, K.D. Gillespie, C. "The mythological power of hospitality   leaders? A hermeneutical investigation of their reliance on   storytelling," International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality   Management, 22(5), pp. 659-680, 2010.
[14] B   Benjamin, "The case study: storytelling in the industrial age and   beyond," On The Horizon, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 159-164, 2006.
[15]   Arora, P. Owens, D. Khazanchi, D. "A pattern- based tool for knowledge   management in virtual projects," The IUP Journal of Knowledge   Management, 8(3), pp. 60-64, 2010.
[16]   Constantinides, P. Barrett , M. "A narrative networks approach to   understanding coordination practices in emergency response" Information   and Organization, 22(4), pp. 273-294, 2012.
[17]   Nielsen, L. Madsen, S. "Using storytelling to reflect on IT   projects," Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application,   7(4), pp. 35-47, 2006.
[18]   Swantz, B. "The effect of storytelling : interest and understanding in   fourth grade social studies classroom" action research project, Iowa: Graceland   University, 2004.
[19]   Denning, S. "Effective storytelling: strategic Business narrative   techniques" Strategy & Leadership, 34(1), pp. 42-48, 2006.
[20]   Srinivasan, R. "Knowledge architectures for cultural narratives,"   Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(4), pp. 65-74, 2004.
[21]   Long, D.W.D.Davenport, T. "Better practices for retaining organizational   knowledge: lessons from the leading edge" Employment Realation today,   30(3), pp.51-63, 2003.
[22]   Sole, D. Wilson, D. G. "Storytelling in organizations: the power and   traps of using to share knowledge in organizations" Harvard Graduate   School of Education, pp.1-12, 2002.
[23]   Sax, B. "Storytelling and the “information overload"," On The   Horizon, 14(4), pp. 165-170, 2006.
[24]   Wang, W.M. Cheung, C. F. "A narrative-based reasoning with applications   in decision support for social service organizations" Expert Systems   with Applications, 38(4), pp. 3336-3345, 2011.
[25]   Champagnat, R. Delmas, G. Augeraud, M. " A storytelling model for   educational games: Hero's interactive journey" International Journal of   Technology Enhanced Learning, 2(1/2), pp.4-20, 2010.
[26]   Sturm, B.W. "Storytelling Models," Journal of American Folklore,   113(449), pp. 287-304, 2000.
[27]   Campbell, B. "The Legend of the Destruction of Kash," pp. 153-154,   1969.
[28] D Ramanujan, "What Happens When You Really Listen," pp. 56-65, 1991.
[29]   Hasanzadeh Karim Abad, A. “Indicators of priority setting in the planning of   intelligence systems”, Department of Computer Research Center of Islamic   Sciences Tehran, 5 (1), 2001.
[30]   Donoghue, L.P. Harris, J.G. Weitzman, B.A. "Knowledge Management   Strategies that Create Value" Accenture Analysis, 1(1), pp.48-53, 1999.
[31] Grundstein,M.   "Assessing the Enterprise’s Knowledge Management Maturity Level,"   International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 4(5), pp. 415-426, 2008.
[32]   Kamhawi, E.M."The three tiers architecture of knowledge flow and   management activities" Information and Organization, 20(3-4), pp.   169–186, 2010.