Embedding knowledge management in higher education institutions (HEIs): a comparison between two countries

ABSTRACT

Previous research on knowledge management in universities has focused mainly on a single country. This research contributes by exploring the understanding of senior managers and academics involved in research/and research management and comparing the three KM processes in two countries, Mauritius and South Africa, one with a small and developing higher education sector and the other with a relatively well-developed higher education sector. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with key informants from thirteen HEIs from Mauritius and South Africa. The three KM processes adopted in the two countries had a lot of similarity with only a few differences. This article builds a profile of the similarities and differences between the two countries, and develops models of KM processes. This comparison acts as a basis for recommendations for improving research practices in HEIs and as a basis for innovation in the less developed country.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge management
• knowledge creation
• knowledge sharing
• knowledge transfer
• higher education
• universities

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Mauritius Research Council.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.