Recent studies highlight and show the linkage between HRM and KM. Traditional HRM functioned under
narrow operational boundaries; in the knowledge economy the role of HRM needs to expand, looking both within
and outside the organization. The traditional focus on managing people has been broadened to managing
organizational capabilities, managing relationships and managing learning and knowledge (Lengnick-Hall &
Lengnick-Hall, 2003). There are several roles that can be played by HR in developing knowledge management
system. Lengnick-Hall and Lengnick-Hall (2003) take the view that in the knowledge economy organizations will
need HRM that is characterized by a new set of roles that can assist in generating and sustaining organizational
capabilities. These new HRM roles are those of human capital steward, knowledge facilitator, relationship builder
and rapid deployment specialist.