KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN A PUBLIC COMPANY: PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES ADOPTED BY POUPATEMPO

Abstract

The objective of this research is to verify which Knowledge Management (KM) practices and initiatives contributed most to the effective adoption, operationalization and management of the Knowledge and Innovation Management policy of Decree n. 53,963/2009 (SAO PAULO, 2009), which instituted the Knowledge and Innovation Management Policy for public organizations in Sao Paulo. This is a qualitative descriptive research that used semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentary analysis of public records as research tools. There were obtained 32 responses from managers and 70 responses of technical staff at Poupatempo. The main practices and initiatives implemented by Poupatempo were: a) high priority given to the initiative at the highest hierarchy’s level; b) commitment from top management and middle managers; c) allocation of sufficient financial resources; d) dissemination of examples of real cases of KM implementation that demonstrate visibility and help to convince employees; e) signaling that KM and information are a priority for the quality of the program; f) use of methodologies to guide the process of implementing the KM model and, finally; g) concentration of efforts in information and communications technology, instead of managerial or people-related issues. In addition, the importance of implementing a knowledge management policy with clearly defined guidelines and strategies is emphasized, thus seeking to streamline the process of institutionalizing KM in the Public Administration of Poupatempo.