Influence of knowledge creation on organizational competitive advantage in the telecommunication industry in Kenya

Abstract

The knowledge-based theory of organizations affirms that knowledge creation explains why some organizations appear superior in the market. Various models have been developed to explain the concept of knowledge creation or generation at a personal, team or organizational level. The general objective of this study was to establish the influence of knowledge creation on organizational competitive advantage in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study used a cross-sectional survey research design. The study sampled 100 knowledge management staff in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Respondents were selected using random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The association between knowledge creation and competitive advantage was examined using correlational analysis. The study revealed that knowledge-creation practices account for 32.2% of the competitive advantage of telecommunication firms. According to the findings in this study, socialization has a statistically significant association with organizational competitive advantage. Results also showed that externalization statistically correlates with organizational competitive advantage. Additionally, it was established that combination has a statistically significant association with organizational competitive advantage. This study determined that Internalization has a statistically significant association with an organizational competitive advantage. It was concluded that knowledge creation significantly positively affects organizational competitive advantage. Organizational knowledge can be created through socialization, externalization, combination, and Internalization. These practices show a significant positive association with an organizational competitive advantage.