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Does Knowledge Management Lead to Innovation? an Empirical Study on SMEs in Rwanda

Author

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  • Eugenie Byukusenge

    (Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Makerere University Business School)

  • John C. Munene

    (Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, Makerere University Business School)

  • Laura Orobia

    (Department of Entrepreneurship, Makerere University Business School)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether knowledge management under its three dimensions of knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and responsiveness to knowledge lead to innovation in Rwandan SMEs. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to collect data used to examine that relationship. The results revealed that only knowledge sharing was found positive and significant predictor of innovation. This implies that effective knowledge management through knowledge sharing may lead to innovation.This study used a cross-sectional research design combined with a quantitative research approach. Future researchers could employ a longitudinal method to investigate any possibility of variations in the results. Qualitative studies could equally be used to supplement the quantitative findings. Lastly, this study focused on manufacturing SMEs only. Future research might focus on other types of businesses. Owners-managers of SMEs may sustain their competitive position and survive longer when knowledge is effectively and efficiently shared in order to increase their innovation capability. The study generated empirical evidence on less studied phenomena in the SMEs sector. The evidence highlighted the powerful influence of knowledge sharing in predicting innovation in SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Eugenie Byukusenge & John C. Munene & Laura Orobia, 2016. "Does Knowledge Management Lead to Innovation? an Empirical Study on SMEs in Rwanda," International Journal of Management Science and Business Administration, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 2(9), pages 7-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:mgs:ijmsba:v:2:y:2016:i:9:p:7-19
    DOI: 10.18775/ijmsba.1849-5664-5419.2014.29.1001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eugenie Byukusenge & John C. Munene & Laura Orobia, 2016. "Does Knowledge Management Lead to Innovation? an Empirical Study on SMEs in Rwanda," International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 2(9), pages 7-19, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eugenie Byukusenge & John C. Munene & Laura Orobia, 2016. "Does Knowledge Management Lead to Innovation? an Empirical Study on SMEs in Rwanda," International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 2(9), pages 7-19, August.
    2. Elda N. Okolo-Obasi & Joseph I. Uduji, 2023. "Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Women’s Performance in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria," Working Papers 23/014, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    3. Elda N. Okolo-Obasi & Joseph I. Uduji, 2023. "Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Women’s Performance in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 23/014, African Governance and Development Institute..
    4. Elda N. Okolo-Obasi & Joseph I. Uduji, 2023. "Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Women’s Performance in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria," Working Papers of The Association for Promoting Women in Research and Development in Africa (ASPROWORDA). 23/005, The Association for Promoting Women in Research and Development in Africa (ASPROWORDA).

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