Abstract Paper aims Identify the mechanisms, processes, challenges and other contexts of project-based organizations that affect or are affected by knowledge management. Originality The literature lacks studies that assist project-based organizations in the successful use of knowledge management. We bring these analyzes to this article. Research method We performed a multiple case study applied to two Brazilian companies. Main findings The organizations face challenges due to managerial, operational, and strategic issues. The knowledge management occurs through codification and sharing of data, and both formal and informal events were identified. Implications for theory and practice This paper provides new guidelines for future research, also, several components that affect knowledge management were identified, so professionals will be able to design and implement models with a greater chance of success.

Resumo Objetivo: Este artigo visa caracterizar as competências comportamentais dos líderes de projetos Seis Sigma na América Latina, bem como relacionar essas competências com o desempenho de projetos. Metodologia: É uma pesquisa do tipo survey. Foram estudados 225 projetos Seis Sigma no Brasil, Chile e Colômbia, conduzidos por 191 líderes de projeto. Resultados: Os projetos foram classificados de acordo com seu sucesso, e os líderes de projetos tiveram suas características comportamentais mapeadas. Por meio de testes estatísticos de independência, foi identificado que o sucesso dos projetos depende das competências de inovação e direção por parte dos líderes de projeto. Contribuições: O artigo evidencia a relação entre competências comportamentais e desempenho de projeto. Adicionalmente, o artigo mapeia as competências comportamentais em projetos Seis Sigma.

Abstract Purpose: This article aims to characterize behavioral competencies of Six Sigma Project Leaders, as well as relate those competencies with projects performance. Design/methodology/approach - It is a survey-based research. This study analyzes 225 Six Sigma Projects in Brazil, Chile and Colombia, led by 191 Project Leaders. Findings: The projects were classified accordingly with their performance and project leaders had their behavioral characteristics mapped. Based on independence statistical testing, it was identified that project success depends on both competencies of the project leader, innovation and direction. Originality/value: The article shows the relationship between behavioral competencies and project performance. In addition, the article maps behavioral competencies in six sigma projects.