Knowledge Management in Historic Buildings Conservation Organizations

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the key factors that affect the management of knowledge in the context of the Management of Historic Cities Bureau Organization (MHCB) in Libya. An approach of qualitative research was adopted for collecting and analyzing data. Multiple methods were used for collecting data and information, including interviews, observations, and analysis of organizational documents. The findings demonstrated that a balance between people-based and explicit knowledge-based approaches are required to effectively manage knowledge in organizations. Furthermore, fourteen factors affect knowledge management in the MHCB. They include individual and organizational factors in addition to factors relevant to knowledge and its management. The main factors that differentiate knowledge management in historic building conservation organizations are the type of knowledge, the proximity of the organization’s headquarters to Historic Buildings and, the external sources of knowledge in addition to the social/religious factor. The proposed model for studying and understanding knowledge management in historic buildings organizations provides a base reference for similar organizations. It enables decision-makers in such institutions to study and understand Knowledge Management in order to apply effective Knowledge Management to improve their organization’s performance.