Health and social care managers' perceptions of factors affecting the competence of managers in knowledge management: A qualitative study

Aim To describe health and social care managers' perceptions of the factors affecting the competence of managers in knowledge management. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Methods A semi‐structured interview was conducted with 15 managers from three public health and social care organizations in Finland. Data were collected in the spring of 2022 and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results Health and social care managers perceived that the competence of managers working in knowledge management is affected by managers' behavioural and attitudinal characteristics, their interactive network competence in knowledge management, the dimensions of their competence in knowledge management, the knowledge management infrastructure with which they work and the organizational learning culture within which they work. Conclusions The competence of health and social managers in knowledge management is influenced by various factors, including their personal characteristics, management competence and the infrastructure and culture of the organization for which they work. However, their competence is constrained by an absence of clear processes, structures and resources in knowledge management as well as a lack of systematic support and training for managers working in knowledge management. Impact The study provides valuable information for improving the competence of managers working in knowledge management in health and social care organizations. The competence of managers working in knowledge management is instrumental for successful implementation and sustaining of knowledge management practices and thus, such competence has a positive impact on the overall performance of an organization. Implications Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of health and social care managers, as well as establishing organizational structures, is essential for effective knowledge management in organizations. Reporting Method Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist has been used in the reporting. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.