Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Knowledge management systems: the hallmark of SMEs

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Knowledge Management Research & Practice

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the knowledge management systems (KMSs) adopted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). KMSs are divided into two categories: knowledge management tools (KM-Tools) and knowledge management practices (KM-Practices). On the basis of the analysis of the literature, two research questions (RQs) were identified and addressed through semi-structured interviews carried out in a sample of 35 SMEs operating in high-tech industries. The first RQ concerns the degree of adoption of KMSs by SMEs. The second RQ regards the relationship between KM-Tools and KM-Practices. As far as the degree of adoption of KMSs, the paper highlights that SMEs are not a homogeneous world but there are a variety of approaches and behaviours. As far as the relationship between the degree of adoption of KM-Tools and KM-Practices, the paper identifies three groups of SMEs that seem to point out the stages of the process of adoption of KMSs: Introduction, SMEs that deal with the process of knowledge management exploiting practices and tools that are already known; Growth, SMEs that adopt specialist practices of knowledge management acquiring new organisational and managerial competence in the field of knowledge management; Maturity, SMEs that invest in new technology and that acquire new technological competence in the field of knowledge management. This categorisation paves the way for further theoretical and practical implications for both managers and policy makers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.

References

  • Alavi, M., and D.L. Leidner. 2001. Review: knowledge management and knowledge management systems: conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly 25 (1): 107–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambrosini, V., and C. Bowman. 2008. Surfacing tacit sources of success. International Small Business Journal 26 (4): 403–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonelli, C., A. Geuna, and W.E. Steinmueller. 2000. Information and communication technologies and the production, distribution and use of knowledge. International Journal of Technology Management 20 (1–2): 72–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beylier, C., F. Pourroy, F. Villeneuve, and A. Mille. 2009. A collaboration-centred approach to manage engineering knowledge: a case study of an engineering SME. Journal of Engineering Design 20 (6): 523–542.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carayannis, E. 1999. Fostering synergies between information technology and managerial and organizational cognition: the role of knowledge management. Technovation 19 (4): 219–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Centobelli, P., R. Cerchione, and E. Esposito. 2017. Knowledge management in startups: systematic literature review and future research agenda. Sustainability 9 (3): 361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chong, C.W., S.C. Chong, and G.C. Gan. 2011. Inter-organizational knowledge transfer needs among small and medium enterprises. Library Review 60 (1): 37–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhary, A.K., J. Harding, L.M. Camarinha-Matos, S.C. Lenny Koh, and M.K. Tiwari. 2013. Knowledge management and supporting tools for collaborative networks. International Journal of Production Research 51 (7): 1953–1957.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Commission, European. 2005. The New SME Definition. User Guide and Model Declaration: European Commission, DG Enterprise & Industry, Bruxelles.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corso, M., A. Martini, L. Pellegrini, and E. Paolucci. 2003. Technological and organizational tools for knowledge management. Search of Configurations. Small Business Economics 21 (4): 397–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damodaran, L., and W. Olphert. 2000. Barriers and facilitators to the use of knowledge management systems. Behaviour and Information Technology 19 (6): 405–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Desouza, K.C., and Y. Awazu. 2006. Knowledge management at SMEs: five peculiarities. Journal of Knowledge Management 10 (1): 32–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dotsika, F., and K. Patrick. 2013. Collaborative KM for SMEs: a framework evaluation study. Information Technology & People 26 (4): 368–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • du Plessis, M. 2008. The strategic drivers and objectives of communities of practice as vehicles for knowledge management in small and medium enterprises. International Journal of Information Management 28 (1): 61–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durst, S., and S. Wilhelm. 2011. Knowledge management in practice: insights into a medium sized enterprise’s exposure to knowledge loss. Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation 29 (1): 23–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durst, S., and S. Wilhelm. 2012. Knowledge management and succession planning in SMEs. Journal of Knowledge Management 16 (4): 637–649.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edvardsson, I.R. 2009. Is knowledge management losing ground? Developments among Icelandic SMEs. Knowledge Management Research & Practice 7: 91–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esposito, E., and M. Mastroianni. 2001. Information technology and personal computers: the relational life cycle. Technovation 22 (1): 41–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fink, K., and C. Ploder. 2009. Knowledge management toolkit for SMEs. International Journal of Knowledge Management 5 (1): 46–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrigos-Simon, F.J., R.L. Alcami, and T.B. Ribera. 2012. Social networks and Web 3.0: their impact on the management and marketing of organizations. Management Decision 50 (10): 1880–1890.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grace, T.P.L. 2009. Wikis as a knowledge management tool. Journal of Knowledge Management 13 (4): 64–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gresty, M. 2013. What role do information systems play in the knowledge management activities of SMEs? Business Information Review 30 (3): 144–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huber, G.P. 2001. Transfer of knowledge in knowledge management systems: unexplored issues and suggested studies. European Journal of Information Systems 10 (2): 72–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hung, Y.C., S.M. Huang, Q.P. Lin, and M.L. Tsai. 2005. Critical factors in adopting a knowledge management system for the pharmaceutical industry. Industrial Management and Data Systems 105 (2): 164–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, V., and P. Quintas. 2008. Do SMEs do knowledge management? Or simply manage what they know? International Small Business Journal 26 (2): 131–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levy, M., C. Loebbecke, and P. Powell. 2003. SMEs, co-opetition and knowledge sharing: the role of information systems. European Journal of Information Systems 12 (1): 3–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, T.C., and C.C. Huang. 2008. Understanding knowledge management system usage antecedents: an integration of social cognitive theory and task technology fit. Information and Management 45 (6): 410–417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, I., R. Seidel, A. Shekar, M. Shahbazpour, and D. Howell. 2012. Knowledge sharing differences between engineering functional teams: an empirical investigation. Journal of Information & Knowledge Management 11 (3): 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lisanti, Y., and D. Luhukay. 2014. The design of knowledge management system model for SME (UKM). Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology 64 (3): 746–755.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lockett, N., F. Cave, R. Kerr, and S. Robinson. 2009. The influence of co-location in higher education institutions on small firms’ perspectives of knowledge transfer. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development 21 (3): 265–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Nicolas, C., and P. Soto-Acosta. 2010. Analyzing ICT adoption and use effects on knowledge creation: An empirical investigation in SMEs. International Journal of Information Management 30 (6): 521–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Massa, S., and S. Testa. 2011. Knowledge domain and innovation behaviour. VINE 41 (4): 483–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matlay, H., and P. Westhead. 2005. Virtual teams and the rise of e-entrepreneurship in Europe. International Small Business Journal 23 (3): 279–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navarro, J.G.C., F.W. Dewhurst, and S. Eldridge. 2010. Linking chief knowledge officers with customer capital through knowledge management practices in the Spanish construction industry. The International Journal of Human Resource Management 21 (3): 389–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nevo, D., and Y.E. Chan. 2007. A Delphi study of knowledge management systems: scope and requirements. Information and Management 44 (6): 583–597.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noblet, J.P., and E. Simon. 2012. The role of disseminative capacity in knowledge sharing: which model can be applied to SMEs? Problems and Perspectives in Management 10 (3): 57–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perez-Araos, A., K.D. Barber, J.E. Munive-Hernandez, and S. Eldridge. 2007. Designing a knowledge management tool to support knowledge sharing networks. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management 18 (2): 153–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pillania, R.K. 2008. Creation and categorization of knowledge in automotive components SMEs in India. Management Decision 46 (10): 1452–1464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poston, R.S., and C. Speier. 2005. Effective use of knowledge management systems: a process model of content ratings and credibility indicators. MIS Quarterly: Management Information Systems 29 (2): 221–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Razmerita, L., and K. Kirchner. 2011. How wikis can be used to manage knowledge in SMEs: a case study. Business Information Review 28 (3): 175–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosu, S.M., G. Dragoi, and M. Guran. 2009. A knowledge management scenario to support knowledge applications development in small and medium enterprises. Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering 9 (1): 8–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shih, K.H., C.J. Chang, and B. Lin. 2010. Assessing knowledge creation and intellectual capital in banking industry. Journal of Intellectual Capital 11 (1): 74–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spraggon, M., and V. Bodolica. 2008. Knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi-tech firms. Management Research News 31 (11): 879–894.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tseng, S.-M. 2008. Knowledge management system performance measure index. Expert Systems with Applications 34: 734–745.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whyte, G., and S. Classen. 2012. Using storytelling to elicit tacit knowledge from SMEs. Journal of Knowledge Management 16 (6): 950–962.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yao, L., A. Othman, A.N. Abdalla, and W. Jing. 2011. A novel sense-making model of effective knowledge management within SMEs. African Journal of Business Management 5 (11): 4423–4431.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, Y., H. Zhan, and Y. Zhang. 2014. Design and development of knowledge management platform for SMEs. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research 6 (7): 1035–1041.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125, Naples, Italy

    Piera Centobelli & Emilio Esposito

  2. Department of Engineering, Centro Direzionale di Napoli, University of Naples Parthenope, Isola C4, 80143, Naples, Italy

    Roberto Cerchione

Authors
  1. Piera Centobelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Roberto Cerchione
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Emilio Esposito
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roberto Cerchione.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Centobelli, P., Cerchione, R. & Esposito, E. Knowledge management systems: the hallmark of SMEs. Knowl Manage Res Pract 15, 294–304 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41275-017-0054-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41275-017-0054-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation