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Knowledge Management Process, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Performance in SMEs: Evidence from an Emerging Economy

Author

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  • Shiaw Tong Ha

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia)

  • May Chiun Lo

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia)

  • Mohamad Kadim Suaidi

    (Chancellery, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia)

  • Abang Azlan Mohamad

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia)

  • Zaidi Bin Razak

    (Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Level 5, Kuching 93000, Malaysia)

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM), a process of acquiring, converting, applying, and protecting knowledge assets, is crucial for value creation. The purpose of this research is to empirically test the relationship between KM processes (knowledge acquisition, knowledge conversion, knowledge application, and knowledge protection), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and firm performance. Data were collected from 159 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia using a cross-sectional survey. This research uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and WarpPLS version 7.0 to test the model. The results show that three of four KM dimensions: knowledge acquisition, knowledge conversion, and knowledge protection are positively related to performance. Moreover, EO has been found to moderate the relationship between knowledge application and performance positively.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiaw Tong Ha & May Chiun Lo & Mohamad Kadim Suaidi & Abang Azlan Mohamad & Zaidi Bin Razak, 2021. "Knowledge Management Process, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Performance in SMEs: Evidence from an Emerging Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9791-:d:626268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lijie Feng & Zhenzhen Zhao & Jinfeng Wang & Ke Zhang, 2022. "The Impact of Knowledge Management Capabilities on Innovation Performance from Dynamic Capabilities Perspective: Moderating the Role of Environmental Dynamism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Jurgita Raudeliuniene & Ibrahim Matar, 2022. "Knowledge Management Practice for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions: Women Managers’ Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-13, September.
    3. Ogaga-Oghene, Joshua O. & Yalokwu, Patrick. O. & Omankhanlen, Ehimare A., 2025. "Organisational Capabilities and Product Innovation Performance among Nigerian Food and Beverage Companies," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 12(2), pages 75-89, February.

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