THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ON HUMANITARIAN AID RESPONSE
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of knowledge management on humanitarian aid response
Statement of the Problem: The problem addressed in this study is the lack of understanding and utilization of knowledge management practices in the context of humanitarian aid response. This includes challenges related to capturing, organizing, and disseminating timely and relevant information during emergencies, as well as the limited integration of lessons learned and best practices into decision-making processes. Additionally, the problem encompasses the need for effective collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders involved in humanitarian interventions to enhance overall response outcomes.
Findings: The study findings revealed a significant relationship between knowledge management and humanitarian aid response (β = 0.0351, t (158) = 2.184, p = 0.031). This suggests that knowledge management practices can have both positive and negative impacts on the effectiveness of humanitarian aid response. The study highlights the need for organizations involved in humanitarian efforts to effectively manage and utilize knowledge to ensure efficient and effective aid delivery.
Conclusion: The influence of knowledge management on humanitarian aid response is evident and crucial. The effective utilization of knowledge management practices enables aid responders to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and improve overall response outcomes. Moreover, knowledge management fosters organizational learning, facilitates adaptation based on past experiences, and promotes collaboration among stakeholders, leading to enhanced coordination and effectiveness in addressing the needs of disaster-affected communities.
Recommendations: Based on the influence of knowledge management on humanitarian aid response, it is recommended that organizations prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive knowledge management strategies. This includes investing in robust information and communication technology infrastructure, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing, and strengthening partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, organizations should provide training and capacity building programs to enhance the knowledge management skills of aid responders, ensuring effective utilization of knowledge in humanitarian interventions.
Keywords: Knowledge Management, Humanitarian Aid, Response
References
Abubakar, A. M., Elrehail, H., Alatailat, M. A., & Elçi, A. (2019). Knowledge management, decision-making style and organizational performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 4(2), 104-114.
Afande, O. F. (2019). Factors affecting use of donor aid by international non-governmental organizations in Kenya: A case of USAID. International Journal of Business Management and Administration, 2(5), 89-116.
Archambault, P., Turcotte, S., Smith, P. Y., Abasse, K. S., Paquet, C., Côté, A., ... & Wiki-Based Knowledge Tool Investigators. (2021). Intention to Use Wiki-Based Knowledge Tools: Survey of Quebec Emergency Health Professionals. JMIR Medical Informatics, 9(6), e24649.
Boshara, M. A. E., Woods, P. C., & Elshaiekh, N. E. M. (2020). Knowledge Management Support to Public Health in Humanitarian Emergency.
Caballero-Anthony, M., Cook, A. D., & Chen, C. (2021). Knowledge management and humanitarian organisations in the Asia-Pacific: Practices, challenges, and future pathways. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 53, 102007.
Harries, K. (2017). An innovative approach to knowledge management for humanitarian organisations. In Asia Pacific Humanitarian Leadership Conference Proceedings (pp. 1-4).
Holzer, A., Kocher, B., Bendahan, S., Vonèche Cardia, I., Mazuze, J., & Gillet, D. (2020). Gamifying knowledge sharing in humanitarian organisations: a design science journey. European Journal of Information Systems, 29(2), 153-171.
Jhuthi, B. (2015). Determinants of implementation of non-governmental projects in Kenya: a case of World Vision Osiligi Ipa in Kajiado County (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi).
Kariega, A. K. (2020). Factors influencing the performance of projects in non-governmental organizations in Kenya: A case of Ujamaa Africa (Doctoral dissertation, Africa Nazarene University).
Mamy, M. M. B., Shabbir, R., & Hasan, M. Z. (2020). The Influence of Training and Development on Employee Performance: A Study on Garments Sector, Dhaka Bangladesh. Journal of Economics, Management and Trade,2(5) 44-58.
Maniagi, G. M. (2018). Influence of financial risk on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, JKUAT).
Mukiira, E., K., Moguche, A., & Muema, W. (2020). Relationship between Collective Bargaining and Performance of Public Health Facilities in Imenti North Sub-County, Meru County. Journal of Human Resource & Leadership, 4(4), 92-101
Oktari, R. S., Munadi, K., Idroes, R., & Sofyan, H. (2020). Knowledge management practices in disaster management: Systematic review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 51, 101881.
Onyango, D. A. (2016). Knowledge management capabilities and performance of international humanitarian organizations in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi).
Shahzad, M., Qu, Y., Zafar, A. U., Rehman, S. U., & Islam, T. (2020). Exploring the influence of knowledge management process on corporate sustainable performance through green innovation. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(9), 2079-2106.
Tsai, J. M., Cheng, M. J., Tsai, H. H., Hung, S. W., & Chen, Y. L. (2019). Acceptance and resistance of telehealth: The perspective of dual-factor concepts in technology adoption. International Journal of Information Management, 49, 34-44.
Umar, M., Wilson, M., & Heyl, J. (2021). The structure of knowledge management in inter-organisational exchanges for resilient supply chains. Journal of Knowledge Management, 25(4), 826-846.
Wang, W. T., & Wu, S. Y. (2021). Knowledge management based on information technology in response to COVID-19 crisis. Knowledge management research & practice, 19(4), 468-474.
Wilkinson, O., Logo, K. H., Tomalin, E., Anthony, W. L., De Wolf, F., & Kurien, A. (2022). Faith in localisation? The experiences of local faith actors engaging with the international humanitarian system in South Sudan. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 7(1), 1-15.
