Development and Validation of a Readiness for Knowledge Management Implementation Questionnaire (RKMIQ)

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of a Readiness for Knowledge Management Implementation Questionnaire (RKMIQ) administered to State Audit Institution (SAI) Employees. This study explored the level of readiness for knowledge management (KM) process implementation in SAI. The dimensional structure of the questionnaire was investigated with a sample of 170 SAI employees (70% males and 30% females). Based on factor analysis results, the questionnaire emphasized sixteen factors categorized in five themes: organization culture, organization structure, information technology (IT) infrastructure, employees’ acceptance of KM, and employees’ intention to be involved in the KM process. The internal consistency and concurrent validity of RKMIQ were verified (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95). RKMIQ and its factors were significantly correlated with factors influencing the KM initiatives questionnaire (FIKMIQ). Testing of the reliability of RKMIQ using Test-Re-Test method revealed a significant correlation of (0.96) between the two applications. This questionnaire was proved to be relatively reliable and valid. The results showed that SAI is ready for KM process implementation. Since it is essential to assess organizational readiness for KM before embarking on KM initiatives, this study designed an instrument that brings together organizational and human factors influencing the readiness of organizations for KM. The comprehensiveness of the instrument, as well as the degree of validity and reliability that it demonstrated, justifies its adoption to measure the readiness of organizations to implement KM processes.

Key words: knowledge management; implementation; readiness; instrument; State Audit Institution; Oman

        JEL code: M