Emergent approach to Knowledge Management by Small Companies: multiple case-study research

Małgorzata Zięba; Ettore Bolisani; Enrico Scarso

doi:10.1108/jkm-07-2015-0271

Emergent approach to Knowledge Management by Small Companies: multiple case-study research

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine knowledge management approach followed by small companies on the example of firms from the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on the results of a qualitative survey involving 12 owners and managers of small companies operating in the KIBS sector. The survey uses the case study method. Findings: The findings confirm that small companies adopt an emergent approach to KM: in the analysed cases there were no formal KM plans, despite the fact that the examined companies have all introduced various KM practices. This shows that there can be the need to define KM approaches that better fit smaller companies.Practical implications: Although an emergent approach may be seen as unplanned, companies should learn how to be aware of their KM practices and, once they are, how to develop them properly. For executives to be able to recognize emergent KM practices, notions and elements of KM need to be introduced in their business background and professional education (e.g. how KM fits into a small organization, what KM processes are, what KM tools and practices exist, etc.). Originality/value: The study contributes to the understanding of KM in really small entities, still a much under-explored topic.

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Authors (3)

Małgorzata Zięba dr hab. inż.
Ettore Bolisani Dr
- University of Padova Department of Management and Engineering
Enrico Scarso Dr
- University of Padova Department of Management and Engineering

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Details

Category:: Articles
Type:: artykuł w czasopiśmie wyróżnionym w JCR
Published in:: Journal of Knowledge Management no. 20, edition 2, pages 1 - 18,
ISSN: 1367-3270
Language:: English
Publication year:: 2016
Bibliographic description:: Zięba M., Bolisani E., Scarso E.: Emergent approach to Knowledge Management by Small Companies: multiple case-study research// Journal of Knowledge Management. -Vol. 20, iss. 2 (2016), s.1-18
DOI:: Digital Object Identifier (open in new tab) 10.1108/jkm-07-2015-0271
Verified by:: Gdańsk University of Technology