Knowledge Management in Social Organizations During a Humanitarian Crisis

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of issues related to the role of knowledge management in social organizations. Chosen aspects of knowledge management theory in voluntary not-for-profit groups, operating during a humanitarian crisis, are here addressed. The paper aims to demonstrate the determinants of knowledge management, using as an example, events at the Poland/Ukraine border - in the period 2022-2023. The additional aim is to show how to identify common processes underlying knowledge management, and how it was acquired, managed and transferred, in disparate organizations. The authors of this paper took part in the humanitarian action in the first few weeks of the conflict - both independently and in co-operation with non-governmental organizations. This allowed for the collection of extensive material during the first stage of the research, and creation of a database of NGO’s, used for the second stage of the research. During preparations for the survey a hypothesis was established: When sudden emergencies arise, a variety of information and knowledge is collected, dispersed, widely shared, and belongs to many different organizations. Therefore, a coherent information system is needed for the dissemination and sharing of knowledge for effective assistance to people affected by the crisis. The methodology of participatory observation and surveys was used for the research. It was found that knowledge was transferred in and out of the organizations, and expertise from earlier experiences was also applied and transferred, thus becoming explicit. Managerial skills and methods were applied in new organizational contexts. Knowledge acquisition, transfer and sharing were clearly identifiable across in a wide spectrum of research, as was organizational learning and the subsequent usage of it. Knowledge management in a crisis situation encompasses all activities aimed at improving preparatory and executive actions. One of the key elements of knowledge management, which determines its success, is  effective acquisition, information handling and delivery to the relevant organizations involved. This is essential for the response of individual organisations, whether at the level of local government or national non-profit organizations.