Applying knowledge management for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry

Effective knowledge management can have an impact on the pharmaceutical industry. This descriptive statistical study focused on the use of knowledge management employed by pharmaceutical companies. The pharmaceutical sector is knowledge intensive and knowledge management is a critical component for the improvement of research and development productivity and innovation. The intent of the study was to examine the attitudes of leaders in pharmaceutical firms on knowledge management. The study was a quantitative descriptive survey research method and the population came from pharmaceutical leaders. Data were collected using a Likert-type scale survey instrument with questions that have a 1 to 5 scaled measurement. Eighty-four research professionals from the pharmaceutical industry participated in the study. The statistical study involved a search to determine if a relationship exists between business value and the employment of knowledge management. The conclusions were based on 95% or greater confidence level by analysis of variance. The respondents indicated that knowledge management methods increased knowledge sharing across the firm. The research also indicated that knowledge management provides business value within the pharmaceutical industry. Future research might investigate how knowledge management capabilities are implemented and practiced for firms that completed mergers or have significant outsourcing activities. Additionally, future research might explore different tools and methods to access and transfer knowledge.