Exploring the integration and application of knowledge in a charitable non-government organisation

Although the strategic importance of knowledge is widely recognised, there is no unified concept of the characteristics and role of knowledge within organisations, and the process of knowledge application remains theoretically underdeveloped. Organisations therefore often lack clear frameworks for integrating and applying their dispersed knowledge. Using a case study in international development non-government organisation, this study describes the nature of knowledge in an organisation and explores Knowledge Integration (KI) and application from multiple stages-multiple factors perspective. Data was gathered from 42 individual interviews, document analysis and participant observations and analysed using template analysis technique. The findings show that knowledge in an organisation is seen as continuously evolving holistic variable resource. KI and application is a complex process and influenced by multiple and interrelated individual knowledge sharing behaviours, organisational knowledge governance practices and informal social interactions characteristics. This study introduced new ‘multiple stages- multiple factors approach’ to KI and application process. From a practical perspective, this study provides managers with better understanding of the features of knowledge in organisations and clarifies how knowledge dispersed in an organisation can be effectively and efficiently integrated and applied to accomplish organisational tasks and enhance competitive advantage. Limitations of this study are noted together with proposed directions for future research