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Using knowledge management systems: A taxonomy of SME strategies

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  • Cerchione, Roberto
  • Esposito, Emilio

Abstract

The paper aims to highlight the degree of diffusion and the intensity of use of knowledge management systems (KMSs) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to propose a taxonomy that synthesises the strategies of using KMSs on the part of SMEs. Starting from a literature review on KMSs used by SMEs and from a focus group with consultants/researchers operating in the field of information technology in SMEs, an empirical investigation was designed, developed and conducted through semi-structured interviews involving 61 selected SMEs operating in high tech industries. The paper highlights three main issues regarding the use of KMSs. Firstly, SMEs adopt and use more intensively traditional tools (KM-Tools) rather than new and more updated ones that are generally cheaper and easier to use. Secondly, SMEs adopt and make more intensive use of practices (KM-Practices) that do not exclusively focus on the knowledge management process, but seek to adapt practices they already know to the requirements of knowledge management. Finally, the paper points out that there is a relationship of reciprocity between KM-Tools and KM-Practices: one reinforces the other and vice versa. The paper proposes a taxonomy bringing together SME strategies for using KMSs. Specifically, four strategies are identified: guidepost, explorer, exploiter, and latecomer.

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  • Cerchione, Roberto & Esposito, Emilio, 2017. "Using knowledge management systems: A taxonomy of SME strategies," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 1551-1562.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:37:y:2017:i:1:p:1551-1562
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.10.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Al-Emran, Mostafa & Mezhuyev, Vitaliy & Kamaludin, Adzhar & Shaalan, Khaled, 2018. "The impact of knowledge management processes on information systems: A systematic review," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 173-187.
    3. Sutanto, Juliana & Liu, Yi & Grigore, Mihai & Lemmik, Rivo, 2018. "Does knowledge retrieval improves work efficiency? An investigation under multiple systems use," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 42-53.
    4. Salam Al-Mahaseneh & Yousra Harb, 2023. "The Assimilation of ICT Knowledge Management Practices in Organizations: an Empirical Study," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(2), pages 752-779, June.
    5. Sajjad Vojdanian, 2022. "The Effect of Knowledge Management on SMEs' Competitiveness," Digital Transformation: The Harmonic Convergence of People, Culture, Process, and Technology in the New Normal,, ToKnowPress.
    6. Susanne Durst & Samuel Foli & Ingi Runar Edvardsson, 2024. "A systematic literature review on knowledge management in SMEs: current trends and future directions," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 74(1), pages 263-288, February.
    7. Daniel RUSU, 2022. "Association of Knowledge Management with Strategic Management: Directions and Trends at International Level," Management and Economics Review, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 7(1), pages 49-66, February.

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