Knowledge Management and Learning

Methodology

Since 2005, ADB has conducted annual surveys to measure staff perceptions on knowledge management. Survey findings are benchmarked against the eight recognized MAKE (Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises) knowledge performance dimensions:

1. Create an enterprise knowledge-driven culture.
2. Develop knowledge workers through senior management leadership.
3. Deliver knowledge-based products/services/solutions.
4. Maximize enterprise intellectual capital.
5. Create an environment for collaborative knowledge sharing.
6. Create a learning organization.
7. Deliver value based on customer knowledge.
8. Transform enterprise knowledge into shareholder value.

Top

Trends and Recommendations

The 2008 electronic survey [ PDF ] was conducted in October-November 2008. The data revealed an improvement in the organizational culture and attitudes towards knowledge management. However, the number of survey respondents remains low, suggesting insufficient awareness of knowledge management

• ADB is nearing or at a transition phase between two stages.
• While national officers, in general, have realistic expectations of knowledge management and are involved in its implementation, a significant percentage (24.4%) remains skeptical of its benefits.
• Over half of professional staff (59.6%) are skeptical of knowledge management.
• Some departments see little value in knowledge management, while others that have been supportive in the past are showing less support.
• ADB is falling back in four knowledge performance dimensions (creating a knowledge-driven culture, developing knowledge workers, delivering knowledge products and services, and delivering value based on customer knowledge).

The report proposes the following actions:

• Review the implementation plan and ensure it remains aligned with overall vision, mission, and strategy.
• Reach out to staff, including those from non-operations departments, and communicate the investment, value, and benefits of knowledge management
• Design activities to improve the knowledge-driven culture, ADB Management support and communications, the value content of knowledge products
• Work with stakeholders in knowledge sharing and development activities