Impact of knowledge management processes on business performance: Evidence from Kuwait

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) processes and the level of business performance of organizations in Kuwait. The research utilized a survey that was administered to 500 employees of 139 private and government companies in Kuwait. Tests of validity and reliability confirmed the use of the survey instrument whereas factor analysis revealed 4 main factors whose impact on performance was assessed. The research results revealed that all 4 KM processes examined (i.e., knowledge generation and development, codification and storage, transfer and sharing, and use and evaluation) have a positive and significant impact on perceived business performance. Additionally, the research revealed that KM processes have the highest impact on innovation performance. The limitation of this study is mainly related to the limited geographical scope of the research, because the survey covered only companies from Kuwait. The originality of the research comes from geographical area covered. Virtually, no empirical research has been undertaken in area of knowledge management in Kuwait, as an oil-dependent country.