An exploration of knowledge retention strategies : the case study of National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH)

Abstract

Knowledge retention involves capturing knowledge in an organisation, so that it can be used later, after the employees left the organisation either due to retirement, resignations, or death. The organisation has invested time and money in harnessing knowledge of individual employees and when they leave, the organisation is at risk of losing its investment. The aim of this study was to examine Knowledge retention strategies at NIOH. The study investigated the extent to which organisational knowledge was managed, knowledge retention strategies, philosophies and motivation of knowledge retention strategies and effectiveness of knowledge retention strategies at NIOH. Exploratory research design and quantitative research approach were used to conduct this study. The target population of the study were doctors, medical scientist, technicians and technologies at NIOH. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents of this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analysed using Microsoft excel 2016. The results of the study revealed that NIOH is able to retain its organisational knowledge. The study further revealed that knowledge retention strategies used by NIOH include ICT and staff meetings. The findings further revealed that there was little or no reward system to encourage knowledge retention. The study recommends that the organisation implement and strengthen the rewards system to successfully encourage knowledge retention amongst employees. It is further recommended that the organisation develop Knowledge management section to ensure that all the processes of knowledge management are well coordinated