Evaluating knowledge management alignment in supply firms

Purpose. This paper proposes a novel fuzzy logic methodology to evaluate the level of misalignment between an enterprise’s knowledge and knowledge management systems (KMSs). Design/methodology/approach. The proposed methodology is implemented by means of a field analysis based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews involving a sample of sixty-one supply firms operating in high tech and/or complex industries. Findings. The paper highlights that even though on average there is a high level of misalignment of an enterprise’s knowledge with knowledge management systems, there is an ample variety of behaviours. The paper identifies a taxonomy able to synthesize the diverse typologies of enterprise behaviour in relation to the alignment of the enterprise’s knowledge with KMSs. Specifically, four typologies of behaviour are identified: Guideposts, Practices Laggards, Tools Laggards and Latecomers. Practical implications. The proposed taxonomy provides an operational tool for both enterprises and policy makers. From the enterprise perspective, the paper shows how it may be used to identify the specific position of an individual enterprise and support the decision-making aimed to suggest appropriate changes to improve the level of alignment. From the point of view of the policy maker, the proposed taxonomy may be of help to identify measures to support the competitiveness of local systems by improving processes of management and circulation of knowledge among enterprises. Originality/value. The paper highlights the difficulties that supply firms have in adopting knowledge management systems aligned with the enterprise’s knowledge and proposes a methodology able to improve such alignment.