Aligning knowledge management systems with operational readiness: an exploratory framework for military helicopter operations

Purpose This study aims to examine how knowledge management (KM) systems can be designed and aligned to mitigate this vulnerability and support operational readiness. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory framework-development study was conducted, integrating descriptive survey data from 111 military aviation professionals with expert interactions and thematic analysis of operational practices. Findings Findings indicate a structural imbalance: while procedural documentation and technology-enabled systems are relatively mature, the systematic capture and institutionalisation of tacit operational knowledge remains comparatively weak. This misalignment, compounded by variable leadership engagement, creates significant knowledge vulnerability. Originality/value Rather than proposing a new knowledge management theory, this study advances a context-sensitive extension of KM systems research by introducing readiness orientation as a structuring principle and developing a framework supported by empirically derived design propositions for military helicopter operations.