The organizational culture is indicated as one of the most important factors influencing knowledge management. In the literature there is ongoing debate about the link between national culture and organizational culture, especially in terms of a former being a constraint for the latter. The aim of this research was to investigate how organizational culture crosses the barriers to effective knowledge management. We propose the qualitative approach based on grounded theory and case study methods This methodology puts in evidence that the link between organizational culture and national culture might not be so strong. The founders my shape organizational culture in order to ensure effective knowledge management by implementation of norms and values typical for a particular industry segment. The other possibility lies in exposure to different national culture which is more conductive for effective knowledge management. The outcomes of the application this method bring important insight to managers in terms of sources of impact on organizational culture.