Integrated Knowledge Management, Organisational Learning and Innovation Model for the Construction Industry

Abstract

Knowledge Management (KM) is an important part of the construction industry. Knowledge management principles are a set of principles that have been put forward by various researchers to elicit their conceptualisation of knowledge management. However, most of the existing knowledge management models do not take into account the social and learning processes within the organisation. This paper proposes an integrated knowledge management, organisational learning and innovation model that, if not completely, but still provides a fair deal of insight into the organisational processes when knowledge management is implemented. The model illustrates how knowledge management initiatives successfully set the organisation on the path of learning and success by bridging a gap between the scientific and social paradigms, and ensure the consistent flow of knowledge. This model is also an attempt to illustrate the current state of the management of innovation in the industry and depicts how construction industry could benefit from the knowledge management in this time. The main focus is made on how appropriate organizational learning and innovation can contribute to improving, developing and improving professional expertise in the construction sector.