An examination of the relationship between knowledge management and absorptive capacity in the uae government sector

An examination of the relationship between knowledge management and absorptive capacity in the uae government sector

This thesis investigates the relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) practices and Absorptive Capacity (AC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government Sector. The study examines the important role of KM in enhancing performance and innovation in the public sector, particularly in an era marked by fast technological advancements and a knowledge-driven economy. The UAE is experiencing rapid and ongoing economic and investment development and therefore faces challenges as its government needs to plan for fast-paced change. This thesis intends to contribute to the existing body on KM and AC, most especially on the Government Organisations. The aim of this research is to contribute to the knowledge of how the Government Sector can continue investing in KM initiatives and strategies to enhance AC, leading to further improvement in the performance and innovation in the Public Sector. The methodology of this research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to explore the key dimension of KM and AC and their interplay within the UAE Government Sector. The quantitative phase involves a survey administered to a sample of government employees across different departments and levels of authority with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA), a large and multi-faceted branch of the government sector. The survey data is analysed using statistical techniques of correlation analysis and regression analysis, to identify the significant factors and determine the strength of the relationship between KM practices and AC. The qualitative phase employs in-depth interviews with selected participants to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which KM initiatives contribute to the development of absorptive capacity. The interviews explore organisational processes, such as knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation, to identify the critical factors that facilitate or hinder the effective utilisation of knowledge. The findings of this research are expected to shed light on the relationship between KM and AC in the UAE Government Sector and provide insights into the strategies and practices that can enhance the organisational ability to acquire, assimilate, and exploit external knowledge. The results will contribute both theoretical and practical implications, providing recommendations for Government Leaders and Policy Makers to promote a knowledge-driven culture and improve the capacity of government organisations to adapt to dynamic environments. Furthermore, the research will identify the significance of KM and AC within the Government Organisations, specifically in GDRFA, aiming to understand broader implications for significant developments in the country.

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