Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Aridaman K. Jain

Abstract

Engineering companies in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry are not able to optimize their knowledge resources through the continual conversion of tacit knowledge to organizational knowledge. This is due to barriers that inhibit the holistic process of tacit knowledge conversion. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the enablers and barriers to tacit knowledge conversion in engineering companies as perceived by engineering practitioners working in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The central research questions focused on exploring the enablers and barriers to the conversion of tacit knowledge to organizational knowledge in oil and gas engineering companies in Nigeria. An integration of tacit knowledge conversion framework and organizational learning framework provided a two-fold conceptual lens for exploring the enablers and barriers to tacit knowledge. Qualitative data were collected using in-depth semistructured virtual interviews with 22 experienced engineering practitioners by using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the dataset in relation to the research question. Nonexistent knowledge management systems and inconsistent knowledge management practices were the most significant barriers to tacit knowledge conversion in Nigerian engineering companies. The most significant enablers were good knowledge and employee retention strategies, top management commitment, and creating an enabling environment. This study may contribute to positive social change by sensitizing all stakeholders in Nigerian oil and gas industry on the need for the implementation of knowledge management systems and conversion of tacit knowledge to organizational knowledge.

Download

Share

 
COinS