1. Invitation

This research is for my Masters dissertation. I will explore the relationship between knowledge management practices and innovation in International Organizations. My name is Owen Wilson. I have worked with innovation and knowledge management since 1997 including International intergovernmental organisations. 

 

Please consider taking part in my research study. Participation is entirely up to you. Before you decide, kindly review this information sheet.

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2. Study Summary

This study is an online survey to collect anonymous responses from knowledge management (KM) and innovation practitioners working in International Organizations (intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations). I will analyse the data using Structural Equation Modelling to identify the nature and strength of relationships between common knowledge management practices and innovation.

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3. What is the purpose of the study?

Most people agree there is a positive relationship between knowledge management and innovation. The purpose of the study is to find out which knowledge management practices are most strongly related to innovation. Previous studies have used high level knowledge management processes in commercial contexts to prove the existence of a relationship. This study will dig deeper, in the context of international organisations, to see if some practices are more influential than others.

 

4. Why have I been invited?

You have been identified as a potential participant either because:

 

1. You are part of an international organization KM or innovation network that I know, or publicly available information shows your job or department title includes the word “knowledge” or “innovation” (and “information” in some cases);
   
   or
    

2. You were kindly forwarded the invitation by someone contacted under (a) because they believe you may be an appropriate and interested participant.

 

5. Do I have to take part? 

No, participating in this research is entirely voluntary. You decide if you want to volunteer for the study. The study is described in this info sheet. If you agree to take part, your name will not be recorded and your answers will remain anonymous. The questionnaire will ask for your consent to data processing before submitting any answers. 

 

6. What will happen to me if I take part?

You will click the link to open the survey and answer 35 questions about knowledge management and innovation in your organisation. There are no personal questions or demographic questions. Answers are anonymous.

 

7. Expenses and payments 

No payments are made for this research.

 

8. Anything else I will have to do? 

No. You are invited to forward the survey link or invitation to other knowledge management and innovation practitioners in your organisation. More answers will increase the confidence level in the findings so I am very grateful if all the practitioners in your organisation are invited to participate.

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9. What data will be collected and / or measurements taken? 

You will be asked to rate 35 statements on a 5 point Likert Agree - Disagree scale. You may optionally indicate which organisation you currently work in and you must consent to data processing. Nothing else is collected.

 

10. What are the possible disadvantages, burdens and risks of taking part? 

You need to give some of your time. The survey takes about 10 minutes. You may need additional time to review this information sheet. You may also spend additional time forwarding the survey to other practitioners.

 

11. What are the possible advantages or benefits of taking part?

You may reconnect with other practitioners by forwarding this invitation, and this could possibly lead to other unexpected and valuable outcomes - serendipity. You may also be interested in and benefit from the results of study.

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12. Will my data be kept confidential?

You will not be asked to provide your name. All the information is confidential and anonymous. The raw data will be kept securely by the researcher and / or their supervisor, using university password protected online storage that only the researcher can access. These secure online storage systems include the University of Portsmouth Google cloud (G-Suite) platform and the WIX web platform. All information will be deleted at the end of the research. The research findings may be shared publicly. The UK Data Protection Act (2018) applies to this data, however as your responses are not personally identifiable, it is not possible to stop or restrict the processing of your answers once submitted, nor is it possible to obtain a copy of your answers, request data portability nor have your answers erased.

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13. What will happen if I do not want to carry on with the study? 

Do not commence the survey. If you have commenced answering questions simply do not submit your survey responses at the bottom of the form (no data is saved until you submit all the answers together). If you have already submitted the survey form, unfortunately there is no way to identify and delete your responses.

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14. What if there is a problem?

If you have a query, concern, or complaint about any aspect of this study, in the first instance you should contact the researcher. The contact details for both the researcher and any supervisor are detailed at the top of this page.
If your concern or complaint is not resolved by the researcher or their supervisor, you should contact the Head of Department:

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James Ryan

School of Area Studies, History, Politics and Literature

University of Portsmouth  

Portsmouth, UK
 

If the complaint remains unresolved, please contact: 

The University Complaints Officer Tel. +44 023 9284 3642 complaintsadvice@port.ac.uk

 

15. Who is funding the research? 

This research is not funded. The researcher does not receive any salary for carrying out this project. 

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16. Who has reviewed the study?

This study has been reviewed by the two supervisors and has been given a favourable ethical opinion.
 

17. Thank you!

Thank you for taking time to read this information sheet and for considering volunteering for this research. Your time and input are greatly appreciated.