Original Research
Knowledge retention in a platinum mine in the North West Province of South Africa
Submitted: 10 August 2017 | Published: 25 April 2018
About the author(s)
Salmon Makhubela, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, South AfricaMpho Ngoepe, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Knowledge retention plays an important role in combating organisational knowledge loss. However, some organisations, including mining companies, still lose organisational knowledge because of employees’ retiring, resigning, downsizing, attrition and so on. This leaves the organisations with a shortage of qualified senior experienced employees to meet production needs, which has a negative impact on the running of the operational functions on a day-to-day basis.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge retention strategies in a platinum mine in the North West Province of South Africa.
Method: The study used qualitative research approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis.
Results: The key findings of the study revealed that although the mine has a knowledge retention policy, some of the employees are not aware of its existence and there was not enough support of knowledge retention initiatives from the management.
Conclusion: The study concludes by arguing that having knowledge retention policy, strategies and initiatives on paper but failing to implement is as good as not having it. The organisation needs to implement knowledge retention policy in order to benefit from the knowledge retention initiative.
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Crossref Citations
1. The Influence of Organisational Culture on Knowledge Sharing in Selected Municipalities in Limpopo, South Africa
Maoka Andries Dikotla, Lethabo Ledwaba
Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies vol: 40 issue: 4 year: 2023
doi: 10.25159/2663-659X/11471