A framework for assessment of knowledge management in South African government departments

Background: This study seeks to evaluate knowledge management (KM) levels in South African government departments and develop a framework for effective assessment and improvement. Objectives: The study aims to develop a framework for the assessment of KM in three South African government departments: Department of Communication (DOC), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). Method: A quantitative approach was used to assess the COBIT 5 management processes: Manage human resource (COBIT-APO07) to optimise the human resources (HR) capability to ensure that proper HR structures and skills are in place and manage knowledge (COBIT-BAI08) to ensure systematic creation, capturing, sharing and application of knowledge is applied. An online closed-ended questionnaire was distributed using Google Forms. A sample of 103 participants was selected using the mixed purposeful sampling technique. Results: The COBIT 5 Process Capability Assessment reveals different levels of maturity across the departments. GCIS, DOC, and DST indicated predominantly Level 1 maturity, whereas DOC’s APO07 and DST’s BAI08 processes demonstrated Level 2 maturity. Conclusion: This study identified areas for improvement and suggests that further government evaluation is necessary for effective resource management. Contribution: This study developed a comprehensive framework that integrates KM theories with COBIT 5 management, enhancing research validity and providing practical guidelines for improving KM in government departments. Keywords: knowledge management; COBIT 5; framework; assessment; framework.