Linking knowledge management to competitive strategies of knowledge-based SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohana Ngah ◽  
Kuan Yew Wong
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Differentiation Strategy ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose This paper aims to study the effect of knowledge management in formulating competitive strategies for knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach of a survey was carried out on 135 owners and managers of knowledge-based SMEs in Malaysia. Structural equation modeling technique was used to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and competitive strategies. SmartPLS software is used to analyze the quantitative data. Only SMEs which are involved in R&D and innovation were selected to get the right respondents who meet the objective of the study. Findings The findings show mixed results. Most dimensions of knowledge management have significant relationships to differentiation strategy except for knowledge creation and knowledge acquisition, with only knowledge acquisition showing a significant relationship to cost leadership. Findings reveal that knowledge management has a positive effect on competitive strategies with more inclination toward differentiation strategy, compared to cost leadership strategy which does synchronize with their commitment in research and development and innovation. Research limitations/implications This study is only focused on knowledge-based SMEs in central Malaysia. Second, the use of a survey approach minimized the flow of information. Practical implications SMEs do have knowledge management practices but may not be exploiting it well. Mapping knowledge management practices would help SMEs identify their strengths and weaknesses to explore better business opportunities. This proves that SMEs are leveraging their resources through knowledge application, dissemination, storage and protection to be different than their competitors. However, their apparent lack of knowledge in knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation should be addressed accordingly, as it is important for their future continuous sustainability. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature of knowledge management relating to competitive strategies in SMEs. The study offers insights on how competitive strategies were formulated through knowledge management. The mixed results reveal a new different outlook of knowledge management relating to competitive strategies.

Customer-centered knowledge management: challenges and implications for knowledge-based innovation in the public transport sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Sindakis ◽  
Audrey Depeige ◽  
Eleni Anoyrkati
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose – This study aims to explore the role of knowledge management practices in supporting current and emerging passengers’ and customer needs, aiming to create value. Specifically, the research examines the importance of customer-centred knowledge management in the delivery of innovative services and practices in the public transport sector, promoting the role of interactions between mobility stakeholders and travellers. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical framework is developed and supported by the background literature on customer-centric knowledge management approaches, business model innovation, as well as on inter-organisational and network co-operations. Findings – Results show that the development of sustainable innovation and technologies in the transport sector requires knowledge management practices, which enable the access to knowledge about users’ needs, the mapping and evaluation of innovative knowledge, the promotion of knowledge-based innovation through collective approaches, as well as the acquisition and integration of new knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual framework developed in the paper remains limited to a theoretical understanding. Further research should empirically examine knowledge issues related to the intangible character and intellectual capital intensiveness of innovation in the transport sector. Practical implications – Researchers, public transport companies and public transport authorities are expected to benefit from this research, by developing mechanisms for customer-centred knowledge management, which is found to lead to innovative services and practices in the public transport sector. Another practical implication regards the adoption of knowledge management practices, leading to technological innovations in public transport, and advancing the level of sustainability in transport systems. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in the development of a customer-focussed knowledge management framework, which provides a novel perspective of value creation in an attempt to engage researchers and practitioners from the transport industry in the conceptualisation and development of innovative solutions.

Knowledge Management Practices and Project Performance in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Grace Syontheke Mburia ◽  
Shadrack Bett
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Moderate Pace ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Public infrastructure projects have taken a moderate pace since freedom. The records from the Kenya government 2014 on vision 2030 towards an internationally serious and prosperous Kenya demonstrate that the moderate pace in execution of open foundation ventures has prompted unsatisfactory street systems; under normalized open pleasantries; non network of the national matrix line to mechanical expected regions; inadequate relief measures in agrarian territories; and ruined motorization of the once serious enterprises that are going under. A major problem facing county governments is how to maximize on knowledge management in project management. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of knowledge management practices on project performance in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study sets out to determine the effect of knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge acquisition and knowledge storage on project performance in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on Knowledge-Based View Theory the Resource-Based Theory and the Organization Learning Theory. The study adopted cross sectional, explanatory and descriptive research designs targeting 120 management staff and employees of Tharaka Nithi County. A census study of all the targeted staff was carried out. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were piloted with 12 staff from the neighboring Embu County to determine their return rate. The study used multiple regression analysis, frequencies, bar graphs, means and standard deviation measures. The study established that knowledge sharing influence project performance in Tharaka Nithi County. The study found that knowledge acquisition influences project performance in Tharaka Nithi County to a great extent. The study found that knowledge acquisition influences project performance in Tharaka Nithi County to a great. The study concludes that knowledge creation has a positive and significant influence on project performance in Tharaka Nithi County.The study will be used by project management team in other counties as it will help in formulation of proper knowledge management practices that promote effective project delivery.

Using information technology to achieve management innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Nieves ◽  
Javier Osorio
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Innovation ◽  
It Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Mediator Role ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between information technology (IT) use and management innovation through the mediator role of knowledge-based resources.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents empirical evidence from a survey of 109 companies that run hotel establishments in the Spanish territory. A model of relationships is proposed and tested through a system of structural equations.FindingsThe use of IT favors the development of organizational knowledge and the ability to integrate this knowledge. Moreover, a positive and direct relationship was found between IT use and management innovation, and indirectly through organizational knowledge and knowledge integration capability.Research limitations/implicationsThe designed questionnaire did not include any questions related to specific IT tools that could contribute to better knowledge management practices in hospitality organizations, but rather generic questions about IT use. The large number of IT tools that can potentially support knowledge management practices in hospitality companies would make the questionnaire unwieldy for its target respondents.Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on a topic that has hardly been studied in the services literature. Specifically, it addresses the way organizations can facilitate management innovation through the use of IT, while considering the mediator role of knowledge-based resources.

Knowledge management practices for innovation: a multinational corporation’s perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 905-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Jiménez-Jiménez ◽  
Micaela Martínez-Costa ◽  
Raquel Sanz-Valle
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reverse Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Different Sources

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the importance of different knowledge management practices to promote organizational innovation in multinational companies. The links among internationalization, reverse knowledge transfer and social capital and organizational innovation are analyzed. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling was used to check the research hypotheses with a sample of 104 multinational companies. Findings – The results show that internalization has no direct effect on organizational innovation but a indirect effect trhrough the transfer of knowledge from external subsidiaries to the headquarter. Furthermore, this knowledge and other that comes from internal and external social capital is essential for the development of innovations. Research limitations/implications – Self-reporting by the CEOs may be the most significant limitation, as a single key informant provided the data; multiple informants would enhance the validity of the research findings. A second limitation is the cross-sectional design of the research that does not allow observation of the short- and long-term impact of the relationships among the variables. Practical implications – Organizational innovation is not an easy task. However, those multinational companies which foster knowledge management practices that generate new knowledge from external subsidiaries, internal or external social relationships, will facilitate the generation of innovations. In consequence, these companies should foster the generation of knowledge from different sources. Originality/value – The focus of the study in this paper is on multinational companies and the possibility to acquire knowledge from different sources (inside organization, external local environment and international context). Specially, focus on the transfer of knowledge from subsidiaries to headquarters (reverse knowledge transfer), as it is insufficiently investigated by current literature.

Analysing the benefits, techniques, tools and challenges of knowledge management practices in the Malaysian construction SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap ◽  
Anna Lock
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cultural Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Company Identification

Purpose Knowledge management (KM) is the central know how for the construction industry. However, the delivery of construction projects is often plagued by schedule delays and cost overruns due to lack of working knowledge of project personnel. Hence, the need to appraise the practices of knowledge management in the construction industry has become all the more germane. This paper aims to determine the awareness of KM practices in Malaysia-based construction small and medium enterprises, and to investigate the benefits, tools and techniques, and challenges associated with knowledge management implementation so that effective measures can be devised to address them. Design/methodology/approach The research data were gathered using a structured questionnaire survey disseminated in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia. Responses were collected from 107 industry practitioners. The quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics, and the ranking with category of significance of the hypothesised variables is determined using the relative importance index (RII) technique. Findings The key benefits of KM practices are predominantly raising efficiency, quality, productivity and decision-making. The most preferred KM techniques are “face-to-face interaction”, “mentoring” and “documents and reports”. The highly significant tools are “groupware” and “telephone”. The major organisational issue hampering the implementation of knowledge management practices is “lack of motivation” while the critical cultural issue is relating to “bureaucracy and hierarchical”, and the vital people issue concerns “lack of trust”. Research limitations/implications The respondents were limited to only small and medium construction enterprises located in the Klang Valley region in Malaysia, which makes generalisation challenging. Practical implications KM provides not only a pragmatic but also a proactive approach to raising the competitive edge and capabilities of a construction company. Identification of the critical attributes of KM provides the basis for project managers in formulating KM strategies to enhance the chances of successful delivery of future projects. Originality/value The study contributes to the debate on the knowledge agenda in the construction industry, particularly from a fast developing economy’s perspective, where an effective KM can further contribute to realising a reasonable level of competitiveness operation.

Empowering leadership and knowledge management: the mediating role of followers' technology use

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafer Türkmendağ ◽  
Muharrem Tuna
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Hotel Management ◽  
Empowering Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of empowering leadership in intraorganizational knowledge management practices and to reveal how followers' acceptance and use of the hotel management system affect this role.Design/methodology/approachA serial multiple mediation model was evaluated and tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The database was created from the results of a structured questionnaire obtained from 401 employees working in hotels in Turkey.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that empowering leadership has a significant effect on followers' knowledge creation, sharing and application. It was also found that the acceptance and use of the hotel management system were partially complementary to the impact of empowering leadership on followers' knowledge management practices.Practical implicationsThis paper gives an insight into the empowering leader's role in gathering useful knowledge, which is self-managed within the organization, by encouraging, motivating, providing autonomous and supportive conditions and making it beneficial and easier for their followers to adapt to the organization's technologies.Originality/valueThe efficient management of knowledge in organizations through the use of technology is possible by distributing power to subordinates through expanding the theory of knowledge management, leadership and the acceptance and use of technology. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature by establishing the theoretical foundation of the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge management practices based on Dalkir's knowledge management model and by discussing the mediating effect of the core variables of the UTAUT model.

Knowledge management practices and systems in county governments in developing countries

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Rumo Arongo Ndiege ◽  
Patrick Kanyi Wamuyu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Economic Resource ◽  
County Governments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose While several studies have indicated the critical role played by the ability of countries to exploit knowledge as an economic resource, it would appear that there have been very few studies conducted on understanding the practices adopted by governments in relation to exploring knowledge, particularly in Africa. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevailing knowledge management practices and technological solutions used by governments to support knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach To address the research objective of this study, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used. The interviews were conducted with both senior and junior county officials from five counties in Kenya, with a total of 31 county officials participating. Further, various county documents were analysed both to seek convergence and corroborate the interview findings. Findings The study findings revealed that no systematic knowledge management practices existed in the county governments in Kenya, which were investigated. On the few occasions that the study did find evidence of knowledge management practices, these practices were isolated, informal, uncoordinated and rarely documented and/or communicated. Furthermore, the study found that there were inadequate policy frameworks in place to support knowledge management practices. The study also revealed a scarcity of relevant technological solutions tailored to support knowledge management practices. Research limitations/implications It was, thus, hoped that this research would promote an understanding of the prevailing local circumstances that hinder the effective utilisation of knowledge management practices and systems. The study recommends that county governments develop the capabilities required for creating and sustaining an enabling knowledge management environment through frameworks and policies that foster knowledge management practices and systems. The findings have practical implications for the way in which county governments in Kenya and other developing countries may improve their knowledge management practices and adopt appropriate technological solutions to support such practices. Originality/value Much of the existing literature on knowledge management is focussed on exploring such practices in large businesses. Studies centred specifically on the analysis of knowledge management practices in county governments in Africa, and how technological solutions may be used to build such practices are conspicuously lacking in the relevant literature.

scholarly journals Knowledge Management Practices and Innovation Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Risk-Taking and Proactiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema García-Piqueres ◽  
Ana-M. Serrano-Bedia ◽  
Marta Pérez-Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Process Innovation ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Innovation Outcomes

This study, by the application of a linear regression by ordinary least squares (OLS), aimed to explore the relationships between knowledge management practices (KMP) and innovation outcomes (product, process, organizational, and commercial), and how they can be moderated by two dimensions of the entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness and risk taking). This empirical study used survey data from a sample of 288 Spanish family small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The results revealed a positive effect of all the KMPs studied for at least one of the innovation variables studied. Regarding the moderating effect of proactiveness and risk taking on the KMP-innovation outcomes relationship, proactiveness negatively moderated the relationship between knowledge creation and product/process innovation. Moreover, a positive moderating effect was found for the case of knowledge application and process innovation. With regard to risk taking, the evidence found was mixed, and confirmed for some KMPs and all the innovation measures, with the exception of process innovation. The only positive moderating effect found was for knowledge storage and product innovation, whereas, contrary to expected, a negative moderating effect was found for knowledge creation, transfer, and application practices and commercial, product, and organizational innovations, respectively.

Knowledge management, problem solving and performance in top Italian firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Giampaoli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Nick Bontis
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Creative Problem Solving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Creative Problem

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the link between knowledge management practices, problem-solving processes and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses survey data from 112 leading Italian companies. To test the structural relations of the research model, we used the partial least squares method. Findings Results show a strong relationship between knowledge management practices and intermediate activities of creative problem solving and problem-solving speed. In addition, creative problem solving has a direct impact on both organizational and financial performances, whereas problem-solving speed has a direct effect only on financial performance. Research limitations/implications The focus on top Italian firms limits the generalizability of results. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of knowledge management practices for problem-solving activities and firm performance. Originality/value The present paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by conceptualizing and empirically testing the relationship between knowledge management, problem-solving processes (creative problem solving and problem-solving speed) and firm performance. This study is the first ever to study these relationships within the Italian context.

Knowledge management in teams: empirical integration and development of a scale

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 777-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Manohar Singh ◽  
Meenakshi Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
It Professionals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Concepts ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a scale to measure knowledge management holistically at team level and to provide an empirical integration to a fractured body of literature on knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach – Ten concepts commonly studied under the umbrella term “knowledge management” were reviewed. On the basis of literature review, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 24 information technology (IT) professionals. A scale was developed based on the literature review and the interviews. The scale was tested in two phases, on samples of 91 and 699 IT professionals. Team knowledge management was analysed on 512 respondents, belonging to 34 teams. Findings – Findings suggest that the newly developed scale is a reliable and valid measure of knowledge management. Exploratory factor analysis of the 27-item scale suggests that knowledge management should be measured along four dimensions: knowledge creation, sharing, retention and actionable knowledge support. Practical implications – Organizations expect their teams to make the best use of knowledge resources. This scale would help organizations diagnose knowledge management practices in teams and develop interventions according to the needs of each team. The scale and four-factor model will provide a framework and a tool to investigate relationship of knowledge management with other variables. Originality/value – The attempts to integrate literature on knowledge management have largely been theoretical, and there has been little empirical work to provide an integrative framework for knowledge management concepts. This paper presents an empirical basis for the integration of knowledge management concepts. The paper also presents development of a scale which measures knowledge management practices in teams.

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