2.2 Theoretical Framework
The relevant theory to this study is knowledge management theory. Researchers have come up with several theories to lay sound foundation for the practice of managing knowledge in organisations. Better understanding of how theories have been used to build a field of knowledge management is important because theories substantiate and legitimize the field as a field of scientific study. Theories harmonised research aims that satisfy methods used in turn to justify the theories themselves.
Knowledge economy by Slater, (1998) adopted by Nnadozie, (2015) basically concerned with the production and distribution of knowledge as a commodity for the consumption within the organisation value chain. This theory however, has relation to this study. Knowledge transfer system among the traditional herbal medical practitioners, the acquisition of various information needed can lead to the production of tangible information that will be distributed among the various traditional medical herbal practitioners in accordance. The production could be via books, face to face discussion, group meetings, storytelling, teaching and learning, adoption of information communication technology such as: video record, sound record files, internet and brainstorming.
In view of the foregoing, knowledge management process model is a theoretical frame work that expresses the various connection activities and processes in line with management of knowledge in organisation, be it libraries or other professional organisation. Moreover, knowledge management refers to the ability to capture available knowledge and harness it to benefit the operation of certain activity of a particular group or society. Knowledge management both as a concept and a reality has been around for many centuries. It was however practiced in the process of human activities. Man in trying to adapt to his environment have had the need to harness available knowledge in the most suitable way. This in essence forms the foundation of knowledge management. The planners of knowledge management practice include: Alexander the Great, Caesar, Napoleon, Carnegie and Henry Ford. Polanyi in 1958 started the idea of knowledge management as a new concept in business management, and today, after many years of research, knowledge management has evolved into a distinct area of study that cuts across several disciplines including library and information science (Obinyan and Aiyebelehin,. 2015).
The relevant knowledge management theories to this study are:
(1) Strategic management theory by Earl (1997) regards knowledge as a fundamental resources that enables organisations to compete more effectively in their markets. According to this theory, there are two key knowledge themes that propel knowledge management namely: competitive and dynamic capability. Thus, proper acquisition of knowledge relevant to the need of the users would show the competency. Management of the knowledge by devising good method and using transfer system that would connect people’s knowledge and idea to create innovation. This is realised through capabilities like idea management, interaction, teaching, learning and documentation.
(2) Theory of core competence was explored by Early (1997). It was viewed as a step ahead of the knowledge space theory to be considered later by adding a theoretical competent underlying the observable solution behaviour. This is showing knowledge as competence and performance.
(3) Knowledge space theory: This theory was explored by Dolagnon and Fulmagnes (1999). The theory can be applied for work integrated learning. The basic three scenarios for supporting work integrated learning are the worth of this theory seek to address knowledge management as an object in space that can be trapped and managed within organisations. Dolgnan and Fumagnes explored this theory while trying to build an efficient machine for the assessment of knowledge. However, this theory is related to this study because it can be used for individualised and adaptive knowledge diagnosis which can make the knowledge acquisition, management and transfer system easy for the indigenous traditional herbal medical practitioners as this would prove the effectiveness in the use of their products.
Knowledge management is a broad phenomenon. This motivated several organisations and professionals to adopt the knowledge management process models. The broad processes and activities involved in managing the knowledge assets follow almost the same procedure with little difference. Whenever differences exist, they merely reflect the unique operations and specialisation of various organisations. However, a model has been formulated to express the series of activities by information professional and library scientists in their knowledge management course work:
