Are we there yet? Perspectives on transformation to a knowledge society in Dubai public services

Abstract

Knowledge Management is the collection of processes that govern the creation, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge. It includes a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. An effective knowledge management is empowered by cutting-edge technology, robust management principles, cooperative personnel and strong work ethos. There is a discernible drive in several organizations to achieve all together and to be leading among the competitors. In this paper, we discuss Knowledge Management initiatives in a few public sector organizations in Dubai. The five organizations that are considered belong to diverse and key services, viz., Public utility (DEWA), Transportation (RTA), Legal (DC), Law and order (DP) and Human resources and planning (KHDA). We present the enablers, strengths, weaknesses and challenges of their attempts and also some of the evaluation mechanisms adopted in those organizations. We finally conclude our paper with our observations and insights on the principles and strategies adopted for transformation to a knowledge society in the organizations taken up for discussion.