An Investigation into Knowledge Management Effect on Performance of Employees of Telecommunication Companies: A Case of MTN and Vodafone in Kumasi, Ghana

ABSTRACT

Knowledge management have gained much prominence in recent years and is said to improve organizational performance. However, the effects of knowledge management practices on employees performance are not well known especially in the case of telecommunication companies in Kumasi, Ghana. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of knowledge management practices on performance of employees of telecommunication companies in Kumasi, Ghana. This was a case study in which data were collected through questionnaire. The target population was 331 members of staff. The sample size for questionnaire was 119 respondents determined using Cochran’s (1977) crosssectional survey and the response variable simplified formula for sample size selection. Questionnaire respondents were selected through stratified random sampling. Closed ended question questionnaires were used to collect data from members of staff while open ended question questionnaires were administered to heads of various divisions and departments. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and multiple correlations. Results were presented using cross tabulation tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using content analysis. The study established that knowledge management practices have a strong and positive effect on performance of employees. Knowledge management of the telecommunication companies encountered challenges. The main challenge affecting the effectiveness of knowledge management is that employees feel they are not adequately rewarded for contributing new ideas. The study therefore recommends that the management should develop a knowledge management policy that includes realistic reward scheme and support knowledge management initiatives.