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Cited by 94Global and Cross-Cultural ManagementKnowledge Management and SharingManagement and Organizational Practices

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Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter?

Liu, Yi, Chan, Christopher, Zhao, Chenhui, Liu, Chao·2019·Journal of Knowledge Management
DOI 10.1108/jkm-07-2017-0260
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Abstract

Purpose This study aims to empirically examine knowledge management practices in China with the purpose to provide a holistic view regarding the current status of knowledge management at both national and organizational levels. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey method, this study collected primary data from organizations across several regions in China. The data were analyzed to detect possible relationships among institutional force, organizational culture and knowledge management process in Chinese organizations. More specifically, to what extent are these relationships moderated by national culture? Findings While knowledge management practices in China were partly influenced by institutional forces, most of the predicted connections between organizational culture and knowledge management were supported. In addition, the dynamic nature of national culture is predominant, that pervasively influencing knowledge management processes and thus contextualization determines how knowledge is being managed in China. Indeed, the ideologies of relationships and trust are key vehicles for knowledge management in the Chinese organizations. Practical implications This study comprehensively reviews existing literature to form an integrative framework, which is under explored in a Chinese context. Such initiative helps scholars and practitioners to gain a full understanding of knowledge management, in general, in the Chinese business environment in particular. Originality/value This paper provides a detailed and empirical insight into the knowledge management practices in Chinese organizations and suggests that knowledge management in a distinctive and yet diverse cultural context should be considered with caution.

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Metadata

Authors
Liu, Y., Chan, C., Zhao, C., & Liu, C.
Affiliations
  • Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (CN)
  • York University (CA)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Knowledge Management
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2019-05-13
Volume
23
Issue
4
Pages
619-643
ISSN
1367-3270 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1108/jkm-07-2017-0260
OpenAlex
W2894971745
Cited by
94
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 5
FWCI
35.91
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.emerald.com/insight/site-policies (tdm)
Locations
Journal of Knowledge Management (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Business and International Management › Global and Cross-Cultural Management
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Knowledge Management and Sharing
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Management and Organizational Practices
Keywords
knowledge management practices, institutional forces, organizational culture, national culture, Chinese organizations, moderating effect of culture, integrative framework

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter? https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1108/jkm-07-2017-0260
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Liu, Y., Chan, C., Zhao, C., & Liu, C. (2019). Unpacking knowledge management practices in China: do institution, national and organizational culture matter? Journal of Knowledge Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/jkm-07-2017-0260