A survey on the role of hrm on the knowledge externalization process at hotel enterprises: Case of Fethiye hotels

Interest in knowledge and knowledge management in business management and related literature has increased rapidly with parallel to changing competition conditions and technological developments. However, more emphasis has been placed on the workforce in the enterprises as the experience and expertise knowledge (implicit knowledge) has become a fundamental element that differentiates businesses and provides competitive advantage. Thus, all businesses have begun to strive for effective management of implicit knowledge and workforce who have this knowledge. Hotel establishments are also undertaking initiatives on Human Resources Management (HRM)-focused implicit knowledge management and externalization of implicit knowledge during this transformation process. Moving from the increasing importance of knowledge and the role of HRM in knowledge management, the aim of this study is to determine HRM efforts towards externalization of implicit knowledge. For the stated purpose, in May-June 2017 period, interviews were held with 13 HRM managers working in 4 and 5 star hotels operating in Fethiye region. Following the interviews, a survey was conducted on 403 participants consisting of lower, middle and upper level managers in the related hotels. Results of the study indicate that, the HRM department contributes to the externalization of implicit knowledge with the organization of meetings, events and personnel days, empowerment of hotel staff, promotion activities towards knowledge sharing and mentoring.