Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the topic of knowledge safety, defined as the state of knowledge being safe from loss, attrition, oblivion or theft. The paper first presents a theoretical background and review of previous studies on knowledge loss and retention and then illustrates the topic of knowledge safety with ten case studies from the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. Methodology: The paper is based on the analysis of KM literature devoted to knowledge retention and knowledge loss in companies and on the results of case study research. Knowledge safety has been firstly defined and contrasted with other terms (i.e. knowledge loss and knowledge retention) and then examined in 10 selected SMEs. The examination resulted in the clarification of what SMEs understand by the term “knowledge safety” and what kind of actions they undertake to provide it. Findings: As the analysis shows, examined SMEs attribute diversified significance to the issue of knowledge safety. For some of them, such a problem does not exist at all and they state that they can provide knowledge safety in all the aspects of their operations. Some companies perceive it mainly through the safety of the knowledge stored in electronic databases, while others link it with the human factor only. Research limitations: Research results are limited to ten companies operating in Poland. As such, they cannot illustrate the whole picture of existing small or medium-sized companies. Research implications: The findings of both literature review and case study analysis indicate that there is a need to further examine the issue of knowledge safety by analysing potential factors which may endanger knowledge safety and the methods to eliminate these risks. Practical implications: The paper examines important aspects of knowledge safety and provides guidelines how it can be provided by managers or owners of SMEs. Originality/value: The term of knowledge safety has been absent in the literature so far. The paper defines it and explores both the theoretical and practical aspects. The paper also suggests further research possibilities in this area.

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