Knowledge Management within the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Abstract

The foundation around which the operations and processes of government and public sector institutions is centred is knowledge and information. However, this asset is not afforded the same recognition or status as physical and financial assets. A growing body of knowledge around Knowledge Management (KM) fostered a curiosity to explore the prevalence of the practice regarding GCIS. The paper also examines the perceptions of the benefits, problems, responsibilities and technology that the organisation utilises to execute its mandate to the general government of the Republic of South Africa. To realise the objectives of the study, a case study of GCIS was chosen. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used as the main instruments of data collection. Key findings of the research indicate that approaches to implementing KM within the organisation are in place; however, they are not strategically driven. KM practice needs to be conceptualised from top management in order that it can be cascaded down to individual units to have an impact on the organisation.