Knowledge management maturity models: an implementation approach in the humanitarian sector

Knowledge Management (KM) is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset that enhances learning, performance, and resilience. Yet assessing its value beyond immediate outcomes is challenging, especially in humanitarian operations where knowledge is often tacit, relational, and embedded in ad hoc practices and inter-agency networks. This paper applies the General KM Maturity Model (G-KMMM) to 3iSolution, a humanitarian organisation providing information management and capacity-building support in Colombia, to explore how formative assessment can identify implementation gaps and evaluate KM maturity. Findings reveal challenges including fragmented structures, limited process standardisation, insufficient integration of internal and external knowledge, and reliance on personal networks. While these results align with KM literature emphasising trust, incentives, and system integration, they also highlight the limitations of conventional maturity models in capturing informal learning and relational knowledge flows. The study proposes context-sensitive adaptations of KM assessment frameworks to improve learning, coordination, and knowledge use under operational constraints in humanitarian settings.