KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND FIRM INNOVATIVENESS OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH OF NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and firm innovativeness of manufacturing firms in the south-south of Nigeria. The study offers an empirical assessment of the relationship as based on its operational framework – 3bivariate null hypothetical statements are put forward. The research design adopted was the cross-sectional survey and data for this study was generated from managers and key personnel of the target organizations using structured questionnaire. The study adopted the Spearman’s rank order correlation in its assessment for bivariate correlations between knowledge management and measures of firm innovativeness (propensity to create new products, propensity to create new business system and propensity to create new processes). The findings reveal significant relationships between knowledge management and the measures of firm innovativeness. In conclusion, it was stated that knowledge management, offers the necessary support, orientation and knowledge control for enhancing firm innovativeness.