Abstract

This was a qualitative phenomenological study of knowledge management (KM) in the U.S. Army. The study explored the KM phenomenon by interviewing retired highly experienced field-grade Army commissioned and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), with varying backgrounds in combat, combat support, and combat service support branches. The research sought to address the problem of a discernable gap in the understanding among Army leaders regarding the effective utilization of KM staff for their units to employ the KM process effectively. This study's two central research questions (RQ) were RQ1: What targeted strategies can be developed for Army leaders and their subordinate units to employ KM staff and processes more effectively? RQ2: How do the Army’s organizational culture and leadership influence the adoption and implementation of KM practices across different command levels of the organization? The findings indicated that in RQ1: The Army Headquarters Command should target a strategy towards improving the message of its priorities and vision of KM in its long-term strategy; Army Subordinate Command leaders should adopt a strategy of executing their senior leader’s objectives for KM into their operational planning; and, incorporate long-term KM objectives into all relevant KM policies, directives, instructions, publications, and technical manuals into KM processes; the finding for RQ2: The Army senior leader's lack of communicating their objectives, goals, priority, and direction for KM contributes greatly to a deficit in the organizational culture at all levels of the Army. Recommendations for future study should be areas of further investigation from those personnel directly responsible for planning, executing, and governance of KM in the US armed services.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

United States. Army; Knowledge management; Command of troops; Military readiness; Operational readiness (Military science)

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Abraham Song

Download

Share

COinS