Boosting Performance in the Mining Industry in Northern Nigeria: The Role of Knowledge Management Practices

Relevance: Knowledge management practices are essential for improving organisational performance in a setting where competition is fiercer, especially in resource-intensive sectors like mining. Purpose: This study investigates the effects of knowledge management practices on organisational performance, specifically focusing on mining firms in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect primary data. The questionnaire included constructs related to knowledge management and organisational performance. The overall reliability score of the constructs is 0.9488. Multiple regression analyses assessed the nexus between knowledge management practices and organisational performance. Results: Findings showed that knowledge acquisition positively influences organisational performance (β = 0.0556695; p-value < 0.01). Knowledge creation was found to have no significant adverse effect on performance (β = -0.1913267; p-value > 0.05). Knowledge sharing demonstrated a considerable positive impact on performance (β = 0.136005; p-value < 0.01). Knowledge protection did not statistically affect performance (β = 0.0339274; p-value > 0.05). Practical Value: The study suggests that mining firms should prioritise knowledge acquisition and sharing initiatives to enhance their performance, while the findings regarding knowledge creation and protection highlight areas needing further exploration and targeted strategies.