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Knowledge Management and Performance Measurement Systems for SMEs’ Economic Sustainability

Author

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  • Andrea Cardoni

    (Department of Economics, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 20, 06123 Perugia, Italy)

  • Filippo Zanin

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Udine, Via Tomadini, 30/A, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Giulio Corazza

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Udine, Via Tomadini, 30/A, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Alessio Paradisi

    (Department of Economics, University of Perugia, Via Alessandro Pascoli, 20, 06123 Perugia, Italy)

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM), performance measurement systems (PMSs), and small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) economic sustainability in knowledge-intensive sectors. The literature demonstrates that SMEs are often characterized by unstructured KM approaches and limited PMS implementation, being at the same time affected by scarce profitability and financial issues. Adopting the knowledge-based view of the firm and the contingency theory of PMSs, we tested the impact of two alternative KM approaches (exploitation and exploration) on SMEs’ economic sustainability, measuring the moderating effect of PMS use (diagnostic and interactive). Through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression of data collected for 219 Italian medium firms operating in knowledge-intensive sectors, this study provides evidence on how a specific KM approach supports the SME economic sustainability and how a consistent implementation and use of PMS amplify the relationship between KM and economic sustainability. Data analysis confirms the relevance of some key concepts of the knowledge-based view of the firm, especially the positive impact of the KM exploration approach on economic sustainability. Additionally, the paper extends empirical evidence for the PMS moderating effect on the KM–performance relationship. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a study provides evidence for the relationships among KM, PMSs, and economic sustainability in the SME setting. Moreover, our findings lead to some managerial implications, especially they encourage SME entrepreneurs and managers to design a coherent KM approach and to implement an adequate PMS in order to support economic sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Cardoni & Filippo Zanin & Giulio Corazza & Alessio Paradisi, 2020. "Knowledge Management and Performance Measurement Systems for SMEs’ Economic Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:7:p:2594-:d:336728
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    2. Shahid Latif & Safrul Izani Mohd Salleh & Mazuri Abd. Ghani & Bilal Ahmad, 2023. "Developing Management Accounting Systems as a Change Process for Economic Sustainability: A Case of Sportswear Manufacturing SME," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 12(2), pages 207-221, August.
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    4. Sergio Ochoa-Jiménez & Beatriz Alicia Leyva-Osuna & Carlos Armando Jacobo-Hernández & Alma Rocío García-García, 2021. "Knowledge Management in Relation to Innovation and Its Effect on the Sustainability of Mexican Tourism Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-14, December.

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