Factors influencing knowledge productivity in German research groups: lessons for developing countries

Purpose – This paper aims at studying implicit knowledge management practices in research groups using a theoretical model of knowledge creation. The goal is to identify factors that contribute to high knowledge productivity. Based on the findings of a study of German research groups, implications for developing countries shall be discussed. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 15 in-depth face-to-face interviews with heads of German academic research groups in the field of physics were conducted. The questions referred to the current practices of knowledge creation and knowledge management and to the subjective assessments of these practices. Findings – The study identified human resource management as the weakness of the German knowledge management practice. There seems to be an inherent contradiction between the goals of attracting promising students to a career in science and securing mobility. Knowledge management and infrastructure otherwise seems well-developed and the heads of research groups consider themselves very important for knowledge productivity. Research limitations/implications – Because of the small sample-size and the limitation to only one research field and one country the results cannot be generalized. The survey thus has to be regarded as a pilot study. Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on factors influencing knowledge productivity in research groups.