Evaluation of Knowledge Management Practices in the Leather Industry Context.

The evaluation of knowledge management practices can be done in terms of organizational performance using structural equation modeling. Knowledge management is used as a powerful strategic tool to enhance organizational performance. This paper analyzes the effect of knowledge management on organizational performance through knowledge management enabling conditions (management commitment, leadership and organizational culture) and knowledge management practices (knowledge capture, creation, organizing/storing, and transfer) in the context of leather manufacturing companies. The study was conducted in the leather manufacturing companies of Ranipet, Vellore, in 2019 where most of the workers are semi/unskilled illiterates. The data was therefore collected from a sample of 101 executives and associates with the help of a questionnaire consisting of 34 variables. Data was analyzed using the SPSS and SMART PLS tools used for framing a research model. The findings of the study allow to implement a structured knowledge management practice in the leather companies as it has quite an impact on organizational performance, which leads to profitability and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]