The impact of critical success factors of knowledge management implementation on employee commitment at European MNE subsidiaries in emerging markets– perspectives from South Africa

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of critical success factors of Knowledge Management implementation on employee commitment at European MNE subsidiaries in emerging markets. MNE face various challenges when implementing Knowledge Management due to the scale of operations and subsidiaries in emerging markets are confronted with additional socio-economic challenges. Employee commitment is crucial to ensure the successful implementation of Knowledge Management initiatives. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using online electronic questionnaires administered to 1118 employees at seven European MNE subsidiaries in South Africa. Findings indicate a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between critical success factors such as leadership, organisational culture, roles and responsibilities, IT infrastructure and measurement tools, in order to ensure the successful implementation of Knowledge Management and employee commitment. The study recommends that employee commitment linked to Knowledge Management implementation at European MNE subsidiaries in emerging marketsentails variousconsiderations such as organisational structure, communication, remuneration and benefits, working conditions, and social status. A holistic approach to Knowledge Management implementation is recommended that combines infrastructure requirements, measurement tools and techniques, and organisational behavioural factors to ensure employee commitment.