Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: An Australian study (original) (raw)
Related papers
Knowledge management (KM) and successful implementation of knowledge management systems (KMS) are of key interest to many organizations, both large organizations and small-medium size enterprises (SMEs). However, how companies address the issue of KM often varies and is also a function of size of the organization. For instance, large corporations’ attitude might differ from that of SMEs. Hence, there is need to study these differences. In first part of this paper, we discuss major differences between the approaches to KM by large organizations and SMEs. SMEs, like their large counterparts, carry out diverse business functions (and activities), and each of these business functions plays an important role in the success of the company and attainment of its goals. Further, other factors such as the ownership, business strategies, organizational structure and culture, decision making process, and IT infrastructure, also influence the SMEs performance. Hence in order for an initiative like KM to be successfully implemented, all these influential elements must be taken into consideration and be thoroughly investigated as to how they facilitate the KM implementation process and how to ensure the success of the initiative. Thus, taking a holistic view, we investigate KM efforts in SMEs focusing on the impact of each function in an SME on KM implementation. Based on our study, we also provide recommendations to SMEs for successful implementation of KMS.
Knowledge Management in SMEs Subject: International Journal in Management and Social Science(IJMSS
The value and importance of knowledge, as seen by numerous organizations today, play a crucial role in the current ever-challenging and aggressive business environment. As a result, businesses that aspire and strive to be labelled as being successful and competitive need to seek and find better ways to improve their firms' performance. Hence, Knowledge Management (KM), which is viewed as a source of sustainable competitive advantage, has attracted the attention of various companies all over the business world, including Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) Managing knowledge is a critical capability for small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) to master because it helps them leverage their most critical resource. Organizational knowledge is the most salient resource at the disposal of SMEs in terms of availability, access, and depth. Successful SMEs are those who can leverage their knowledge in an effective and efficient manner, This study focused on the Knowledge Management in Small and Medium sized organization focusing why SMEs need to know about knowledge management (KM) in their organizations and factors and benefits of practicing KM by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on secondary data.
Knowledge management in SMEs: a follow-up literature review
Journal of Knowledge Management, 2023
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to structure existing research on knowledge management (KM) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to offer a comprehensive overview of research strands and topics in KM in SMEs to determine their evolution over time.Design/methodology/approachThe paper, which is considered a follow-up literature review, is based on a systematic literature review that covers 180 scientific papers that were published since the review paper by Durst and Edvardsson in 2012 that covered 36 papers.FindingsThe findings of this review and those of the aforementioned review are brought together in the form of an overview that structures research on KM in SMEs based on themes that, in turn, allow the derivation of promising research directions and research questions aimed at structuring future research on KM in SMEs.Originality/valueBy combining the findings of this review with the findings from the review published in this journal in 2012, this paper offers, to the...
Role and Room for Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises
Advances in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development
In the present day, success and worth of businesses depend more on intellectual capital. So, knowledge is a critical resource, for any organizational growth and sustainability. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the latent knowledge seen as the principal component for success often tends to be over guarded. That itself is sometimes detrimental to the SMEs growth. This outlook towards knowledge by SMEs has to undergo a change as there is vast room for knowledge management (KM). Abundant studies and research exist on KM, but the focus on SMEs is limited. Current scenario of globalization, technological advances, higher returns on intellectual capital, growing significance of knowledge-intensive industries makes KM a strategic and competitive tool for SME growth, sustainability, and development. KM is indispensable for successful and sustainable business in this contemporary complex economy. Thus, the overall aim of this study done by in-depth literature review and contextual anal...
Knowledge Management in SMEs Practical guidelines
2006
Knowledge management is a practical tool in any organization. This paper addresses two issues - why managers of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to know about knowledge management (KM) in their organizations and how they can conduct it. Critical steps, key factors and possible alternative paths are also discussed, so that knowledge management does not remain just theory but