The knowledge management processes in medium enterprises in example of Polish enterprises

On a global basis, organisations are recognising the importance of knowledge as a means to gain or sustain competitive advantage. Researchers have concluded that the only thing that is sustainable, for successful businesses, in the new millennium – is what it knows, how it uses what it knows, and how fast it can know something new. Many organisations are primarily knowledge-focused. They obtain data and information and produce either a product or service. In this production process they use their own, and other's, knowledge and information. Much of the knowledge in an enterprise is grounded in the minds of employees. Past experience and internal learning create processes, insights, methodologies, know-how and understanding that represent what the business is and how it adds value. Since knowledge is the most basic of all competencies, its localisation, acquisition and development, transfer, codification and application should be a critical success factor for attainment of a competitive advantage. The research was done in 143 medium enterprises in Silesian Province in Poland.