Aims and objectives. The study was conducted to investigate the levels of implementation
of knowledge management and outcomes of nursing performance, to
examine the relationships between core knowledge management factors and nursing
performance outcomes and to identify core knowledge management factors
affecting these outcomes.
Background. Effective knowledge management is very important to achieve
strong organisational performance. The success or failure of knowledge management
depends on how effectively an organisation’s members share and use their
knowledge. Because knowledge management plays a key role in enhancing nursing
performance, identifying the core factors and investigating the level of knowledge
management in a given hospital are priorities to ensure a high quality of
nursing for patients.
Design. The study employed a descriptive research procedure.
Participants. The study sample consisted of 192 nurses registered in three large
healthcare organisations in South Korea.
Method. The variables demographic characteristics, implementation of core
knowledge management factors and outcomes of nursing performance were
examined and analysed in this study.
Results. The relationships between the core knowledge management factors and
outcomes of nursing performance as well as the factors affecting the performance
outcomes were investigated. A knowledge-sharing culture and organisational
learning were found to be core factors affecting nursing performance.
Conclusion. The study results provide basic data that can be used to formulate
effective knowledge management strategies for enhancing nursing performance in
hospital nursing organisations. In particular, prioritising the adoption of a knowledge-
sharing culture and organisational learning in knowledge management systems
might be one method for organisations to more effectively manage their
knowledge resources and thus to enhance the outcomes of nursing performance
and achieve greater business competitiveness.
Relevance to clinical practice. The study results can contribute to the development
of effective and efficient knowledge management systems and strategies for
enhancing knowledge-sharing culture and organisational learning that can
improve both the productivity and competitiveness of healthcare organisations.