Relationships between core factors of knowledge management in hospital nursing organisations and outcomes of nursing performance

Aims and objectives The study was conducted to investigate the levels of implementation of knowledge management and outcomes of nursing performance, to examine the relationships between core knowledge management factors and nursing performance outcomes and to identify core knowledge management factors affecting these outcomes. Background Effective knowledge management is very important to achieve strong organisational performance. The success or failure of knowledge management depends on how effectively an organisation's members share and use their knowledge. Because knowledge management plays a key role in enhancing nursing performance, identifying the core factors and investigating the level of knowledge management in a given hospital are priorities to ensure a high quality of nursing for patients. Design The study employed a descriptive research procedure. Participants The study sample consisted of 192 nurses registered in three large healthcare organisations in South Korea. Method The variables demographic characteristics, implementation of core knowledge management factors and outcomes of nursing performance were examined and analysed in this study. Results The relationships between the core knowledge management factors and outcomes of nursing performance as well as the factors affecting the performance outcomes were investigated. A knowledge‐sharing culture and organisational learning were found to be core factors affecting nursing performance. Conclusion The study results provide basic data that can be used to formulate effective knowledge management strategies for enhancing nursing performance in hospital nursing organisations. In particular, prioritising the adoption of a knowledge‐sharing culture and organisational learning in knowledge management systems might be one method for organisations to more effectively manage their knowledge resources and thus to enhance the outcomes of nursing performance and achieve greater business competitiveness. Relevance to clinical practice The study results can contribute to the development of effective and efficient knowledge management systems and strategies for enhancing knowledge‐sharing culture and organisational learning that can improve both the productivity and competitiveness of healthcare organisations.