A knowledge management framework for enhancing public sector performance

The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual knowledge management framework for enhancing public sector performance. A systematic synthesis of existing literature in knowledge management was carried out to develop the conceptual framework. The practical relevance of the framework was further validated/enhanced using interviews with senior officials in the public sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A comprehensive attempt to develop a knowledge management framework for the public sector has not been attempted before and therefore constitutes the novelty of the paper. The application of the framework is expected to provide practitioners and policymakers in the UAE public sector as well as in general, insights on all key aspects of knowledge management implementation such as the nature and intensity of different knowledge management enablers and barriers, and their impact on knowledge management practices, and the different knowledge management practices and their impact on public sector firm performance. This study fills a gap in the literature about applying/implementing a KM framework for the public sector, especially in emerging economies and therefore significantly contribute towards the theoretical advancement of the field. Future researchers could adapt/enhance the framework to apply in different settings.