A Few Good Knowledge Transfer Mechanisms: Keys to Successful Military Operations

Abstract

This paper aims to conceptualise the knowledge management mechanisms used in the military organisations during the peace and war times. Knowledge management could achieve a vital position in the disciple of Management.  Its waves could touch the shores of military forces now. Military units and formations could realise the significance of knowledge management.  Knowledge transfer is an indispensable element of knowledge management process. The successful transfer of knowledge ensures victory in the battle, while successful knowledge transfer demands selection and utilisation of appropriate knowledge transfer mechanisms. The paper analyzes and discusses the roles and importance of a few knowledge transfer mechanisms as the vehicles/medias of knowledge transfer in the military forces during peace and war times. The exhibited knowledge transfer mechanisms show how military forces use various techniques and mechanisms to transfer knowledge between the commanders at different levels and the soldiers, and vice versa. These could be further explored during empirical investigations in the military context. The paper will help the business organisations to borrow the military knowledge transfer mechanisms. The transfer mechanisms used in military forces presented here provide a deeper understanding of characteristics and nature of the mechanisms; many of them are different and unique from those of the corporate /business world.  The paper is of value to business organisations because it develops a view of new knowledge transfer mechanisms. Further, previous literature fails to address the knowledge transfer mechanisms in the military context, thus this paper reinforces the theories on knowledge transfer mechanisms.