Knowledge management approaches of small and medium-sized firms: a cluster analysis

Vlad-Andrei Alexandru; Ettore Bolisani; Andreia Gabriela Andrei; Juan Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro; Aurora Martínez Martínez; Marco Paiola; Enrico Scarso; Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu; Małgorzata Zięba

doi:10.1108/k-03-2019-0211

Knowledge management approaches of small and medium-sized firms: a cluster analysis

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to categorise the approaches to knowledge management (KM) by companies. In the literature, there is no consensus on a universal or “best” approach to KM. Especially, this paper singles out and discusses the variegated features that characterise the implementation of KM by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) having different characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A cluster analysis was used to detect the possible distinct traits of companies that have different approaches to KM. The unit of analysis is represented by small- and medium-sized knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) firms. Data were collected by means of an extensive survey of 223 companies in different European countries and sectors. Findings Three clusters were identified: Companies showing a relative “unconscious” attention to KM and implementing KM practices without particular awareness; Companies adopting a more conscious approach and using a significant number of KM practices; and companies with a marginal propensity towards KM. Research limitations/implications This study considers only KIBS, and future research should include other economic sectors. In addition, a convenience sample was used. Practical implications This paper improves awareness of managers of small companies concerning different KM approaches that can be adopted. It highlights that a conscious adoption of a KM strategy involves the introduction of a set of consistent practices. Originality/value The topic of KM approaches by small companies is still underdeveloped in the literature. Also, the paper proposes a multi-contextual investigation that makes it possible to highlight the transversality of KM approaches across different countries or sectors.

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Authors (9)

Vlad-Andrei Alexandru
- BD b
Ettore Bolisani Dr
- BD b
Andreia Gabriela Andrei
- BD b
Juan Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro
- BD b
Aurora Martínez Martínez
- BD b
Marco Paiola Dr
- BD b
Enrico Scarso Dr
- BD b
Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu
- BD b
Małgorzata Zięba dr hab. inż.

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Category:

Articles

Type:

artykuły w czasopismach

Published in:

KYBERNETES no. 49, pages 73 - 87,
ISSN: 0368-492X

Language:

English

Publication year:

2019

Bibliographic description:

Alexandru V., Bolisani E., Andrei A., Cegarra-Navarro J., Martínez Martínez A., Paiola M., Scarso E., Vătămănescu E., Zięba M.: Knowledge management approaches of small and medium-sized firms: a cluster analysis// KYBERNETES -Vol. 49,iss. 1 (2019), s.73-87

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