Designing knowledge management strategies in complex project settings : A case study of a multi-project organization in Sweden

Abstract: Research shows that organizations rely on intangible value chains to boost their economic development through knowledge being seen as a resource. However, due to the emerging complexity withing various organizational designs and complexity of multi-levels in projects, still very little is known on how knowledge is shared and utilized in a complex and multi-leveled context. The purpose of this thesis is to examine how knowledge is shared and utilized in complex project-based environments and how underlying mechanisms of knowledge can be stimulated to facilitate a knowledge management system. To answer the research question, data was collected through eleven semi-structured interviews and analyzed through grounded theory.    Results show that depending on the organizational environment, different mechanisms are more suited than others. In the industrial organization examined in this case study, a personification strategy is well suited as the organizational tasks are unique in nature. Furthermore, the initiation of knowledge sharing opportunities play an important role in implementing knowledge management. In this context, an institutionalization approach is the desired mechanisms to stimulate. This is due to the size of the organization and the fact that employees are geographically dispersed. It is further amplified by the increased amount of remote-working, especially in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has limited face-to-face interactions. To implement a knowledge management strategy of personification and institutionalization, routines are paramount to its success. Without the implementation of standards and routines governed from the organization and management level, there is a risk of knowledge management initiatives failing due to lack of commitment and participation.