Knowledge Management Practices in the UAE Higher Education Sector

Ajayan, Shalini and Budd, Richard (2025) Knowledge Management Practices in the UAE Higher Education Sector. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

Knowledge Management (KM), a systematic approach to managing organizational knowledge is critical for the HE sector as HEIs are regarded as ‘knowledge-intensive’ organisations. Despite its significance, the research on KM in the HE sector is relatively at its nascent stage. This formed the motivation for this thesis which aimed to first develop an empirical assessment KM framework for HE sector through review of both generic and HE-specific literature and then apply the framework in the UAE HE sector to examine the current state of KM practices, factors (enablers) influencing the adoption of those practices and the performance outcomes realised through the implementation of KM practices. The study employed a sequential explanatory mixed method design comprising of a country-wide survey (N=428) and semi-structured interviews (N=20) of academic and administrative staff employed in the UAE HE sector. The study results revealed that all four enablers (culture, leadership, organization structure and strategy, and Information Technology) had a positive and significant impact but to varying extents. Information Technology emerged as the enabler exerting the highest influence on KM practice adoption. All nine KM practices proposed in the study were found to be relevant though their extent of implementation differed with Knowledge Acquisition showing the highest level of implementation while the practice of Knowledge Application was found to be the least implemented practice. KM implementation was found to have a positive and significant impact on the HEI’s operational and innovation performance. The results also found that KM implementation varies across public and private HEIs. The proposed validated framework and the findings contribute to the KM literature pertinent to the HE sector and future researchers could adapt the framework in their respective settings. The study also offers recommendations for practitioners and policymakers to facilitate KM adoption at an institutional and sectorial level.