Linkage between knowledge management practices towards library user’s satisfaction at Malaysian University Libraries

Academic library services have begun to apply various knowledge management (KM) practices in the provision of library services. KM has been developed to enhance the use of organizational knowledge through practices and organizational learning. KM practices include the creation, capture and/or acquisition of knowledge, its retention and organization, its dissemination and re-use, and general responsiveness to the new knowledge. The focus of this research is the assessment of KM practices, particularly creation, acquisition, capture, sharing, recording and preservation, and their effects on Library User’s Satisfaction (LUS) in Malaysian university libraries. The objective of this research is the development of a model to enhance KM processes (i.e. Creation, acquisition, capturing, sharing, recording, and preserving) and to improve library users’ satisfaction. A quantitative approach in research methodology is employed (e.g. Questionnaire) for the purpose of generating new knowledge and understanding of library concerns. The findings of this research show that the overall KM practice at six Malaysian university libraries is at a high level. The findings from the structural model indicated that two KM processes, namely knowledge creation and acquisition, are not supported in terms of KM practices at Malaysian university libraries. Other KM processes, namely capturing, sharing, recording, and preserving are fully supported towards KM practices in the library. Hence, the major contribution of this research is a model, namely KM Practice-Library User’s Satisfaction (KMP-LUS) highlighting six KM processes based on strong Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) fit indices

Applicability of Socio-Technical Model (STM) in Working System of Modern Organizations

Knowledge has been identified as one of the most important resources in organization that contributes to competitive advantages. Organizations around the world realize and put into practice an approach that bases on technological and sociological aspects to fill-up the gaps in their workplaces. The Socio-Technical Model (STM) is an established organizational model introduced by Trist since 1960s at Tavistock Institute, London. It relates two most common components exist in all organizations, namely social systems (human) and technological systems (information technology, machinery and equipment) in organizations over many decades. This paper reviews the socio-technical model from various perspectives of its developmental stages and ideas written by researchers. Therefore, several literature reviews on socio-technical model have been compiled and discussed to justify whether its basic argument matches with required practices in Techno-Social environments. Through a socio-technical perspective on Knowledge Management, this paper highlights the interplay between social systems and technological system. It also suggests that management and leadership play critical roles in establishing the techno-social perspective for the effective assimilation of Knowledge Management practices

The role of networking ties on contractor firm performance

In this study, we applied the Institutional Theory to examine the direct effects of networking ties towards contractor firm performance in Sarawak, Malaysia. Non-probability purposive sampling was conducted on contractors (N = 119) to assess these correlations. By applying partial least squares-structural equation modelling, the data is then analysed using SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. The results found that business ties and government support had significant effects on the contractor firm performance. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of networking ties towards the contractor firm performance as business ties, and government support is found to be significantly related to the firm performance. Contractor firms must take advantage of the opportunities in an emerging market like Malaysia. Cultivating networking ties may be necessary to ensure the survival of firms to address demand and institutional steeplechases