Knowledge management as a tool for improving work performance in selected law firms in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This paper investigates how knowledge management practices can improve work performance in selected law firms in Nairobi County. It also proposes strategies for improving knowledge management practices toward enhanced work performance in the selected law firms.

Methodology – This study used a descriptive case study of 22 purposively selected law firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. 222 out of 524 staff of the selected firms participated in the study.

Findings – The results revealed that most of the respondents, 86.5%, were aware of knowledge management practices and indicated they applied them in their law firms. The inferential statistical analysis showed a significant agreement (p<0.05) across different attributes that knowledge management is a tool for improving work performance.

Implications – Law firms need well-developed knowledge management strategies and policies to guide knowledge management. The firms should also formulate knowledge retention strategies to ensure important knowledge held by advocates and other staff does not get lost as they leave through retirement, dismissals, death, or any other way.

Originality – There is a shortage of literature on this subject in Kenya. This study contributes to the discourse on how to apply knowledge management practices in legal practice in Kenya. It is an original study.