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Knowledge sharing in SMEs: modelling the barriers

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  • Apurva Anand
  • Ravi Kant
  • M.D. Singh

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is the foundation stone to knowledge management (KM) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Some variables hinder knowledge sharing (KS) in the organisations. These variables are known as knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs). The objective of this paper is to identify the critical KSBs for SMEs and their mutual influences. Identification of KSBs which are at the root of the hierarchy (called driving KSBs) and those which are at the top of the hierarchy (called dependent KSBs) is the main aim of this research work. A questionnaire-based survey has been conducted to rank these KSBs. The results of the survey and the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology have been used to evolve mutual relationships among these KSBs. It is observed that two KSBs, namely 'lack of top management commitment' and 'KM is not well understood', have high driving power and therefore deserve serious attention. Arrangement of KSBs in a hierarchy and their categorisation into the driver and dependent categories is an exclusive effort in the area of KS. The study concludes with a discussion and managerial implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Apurva Anand & Ravi Kant & M.D. Singh, 2013. "Knowledge sharing in SMEs: modelling the barriers," International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 12(4/5/6), pages 385-410.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijmede:v:12:y:2013:i:4/5/6:p:385-410
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    Cited by:

    1. Roberto Cerchione & Emilio Esposito & Maria Rosaria Spadaro, 2015. "The Spread of Knowledge Management in SMEs: A Scenario in Evolution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(8), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Ahmad Morshedi & Navid Nezafati & Sajjad Shokouhyar, 2024. "Motivational Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing in Steel Industry Supply Chain: A Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Method Analysis," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(2), pages 6273-6311, June.

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