Knowledge Management in Public Sector Organizations: A Strategic Approach

Organizations can build a new kind of relationship with citizens, putting skills and resources directly at their disposal and enabling them to play a much greater role in public policy. They can also harness the “power of us” and pull people together to create public value in new ways if the knowledge is put to use in an effective manner (Baporikar, N. 2004). Globalization and liberalization may have brought to the forefront the issue of a pervasive declining trust. This statement is not to imply any cause and effect relationship, but merely to suggest that through globalization, the public's awareness of the worldwide phenomenon of a declining trust in organizations and government has increased. It is also instructive to note that GDP growth is high when people trust in one another. Knowledge is the new “commodity” to be captured and exploited. Changing a culture that has long been prevailing is not an easy task. KM is not a cure all; however, how it can play a significant and supporting role to ensure effectiveness if a strategic approach to knowledge management (SAKM) is adopted especially in public sector organizations is the core of this paper. Based on in depth literature review and content analysis of secondary data the papers aims to understand KM challenges in public sector, steps to be taken and roadblocks in adoption of KM as a strategic approach. Furthermore, a well-planned strategy can create more efficiency, accountability, transparency and can rebuild trust, improve service delivery, reduce corruption and empower citizens.