Relationship between Knowledge Management and Innovative Work Behavior among Commercial Banks in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

To examine the extent to which knowledge management (KM) influences innovative work behavior (IWB) among the staff of commercial banks in Meru County, Kenya. Descriptive survey design was adopted. A structured questionnaire used to collect data in 20 commercial banks in Meru town with a population of 213 using a clustered random sampling on a sample of 110 comprising of top, middle, and lower levels management. A response rate of 92% was established. Content & convergent validity ensured data quality while cronbach's alpha value (0.7) tested the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software and computed using Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Findings indicated a moderate positive correlation between KM and IWB. KM process (acquisition, sharing & application) was well established in banks processes. However, IWB process (idea generation, promotion and realization) was not well structured. Tacit knowledge requires knowledge champions as enabled by empowered leadership. To the knowledge of the authors, no previous studies have analyzed the relationship of KM and IWB nor the approach in the context of commercial banks in Meru County.