Exploring challenges of knowledge management at eThekwini water and sanitation unit in the engineering department.

Abstract

The study seeks to explore challenges of knowledge management in engineering department within eThekwini Water and Sanitation. Reviewed literature and the study through interviews revealed an understanding of knowledge management, knowledge sharing and transfer. In addition to that there has been a need to re-hire retirees as consultants. Collection of data was done via interviews where twelve participants were involved. Thematic data analysis used to articulate results aligned with four objectives. Results of study discussed based on both themes and objectives. This study concluded by confirming ways knowledge sharing and transferring hereto recommended. Both literature and study findings discussed, and thereafter recommendations made to the management of engineering department within eThekwini Water and Sanitation. In dealing with mentoring, coaching, or shadowing, management should invest more to capacitate all the employees within the department to minimise the loss of expertise. Emphases to EWS management for proper controls in terms of protecting the knowledge embedded within the minds of knowers or experts. Uriarte (2008:10) wrote, the willingness to share tacit knowledge is influenced to a large extent by the managerial approaches to identify, capture and integrate that knowledge. So that service delivery is not impacted negatively when the engineers leave the department .The study also recommended proper imparting controls in knowledge sharing and transferred by the re-hired consultants for clear intentions and performance management system be implemented and outcome monitored and measured. Final, EWS to consider an establishment of a department to handle knowledge management system within the Unit.