The Role of Knowledge Management in Creating a Culture of Learning: The Case of Dubai Municipality

Purpose: The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the role of knowledge management in creating a culture of learning and creativity in a non-Western context. It further seeks to stimulate broader empirical and theoretical discussions on the topic. Design/Methodology/Approach: As little is known about knowledge management approaches in our regional context, the qualitative approach was chosen as an appropriate method of studying this phenomenon. The openness of the qualitative method enables data collection that is not constrained by predetermined categories of analysis, and thus allows for a level of depth and detail that quantitative methods cannot provide. Our empirical investigation is based on semi-structured interviews and conducted in the Knowledge Management Department of Dubai Municipality. Findings: Results indicate that the impact of knowledge management on organisational learning is below expectations. Written official statements or policies are not sufficient to enforce learning and creativity. Notably, institutional changes at the extreme produce conditions that might reduce the rate of organizational learning. The role of knowledge management is to develop context specific strategies to embrace learning and creativity. Practical implications: In light of the institutional structures, our findings on knowledge management and organisational learning provide managers guidance in making decisions under extremely uncertain institutional settings. Originality/Value: Knowledge management and organisational learning have been discussed within organisational and management research; however, the majority of these studies adopt a Western-based perspective. This paper contributes to our understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and organisational learning in an emerging market setting, which has so far received insufficient attention. Keywords: Knowledge management, Organisational learning, Public sector, Dubai Paper type: Research pape