Empirical Studies Concerning the Relationship between Knowledge Management and Effective Performance in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Selected Preliminary Results (Empiryczne badanie zaleznosci pomiedzy zarzadzaniem wiedza, efektywnoscia funkcjonowania w malych i srednich przedsiebiorstwach – wybrane wyniki wstepne)

The article presents the preliminary results of empirical studies concerning the relationship between knowledge management and effective performance in small and medium enterprises. A total of 120 small- and medium-sized companies from the Lower Silesian Voivodeship [province] underwent study. Quantitative research was carried out. Detailed analysis of topical literature allowed the author to design a research tool for two groups – owners/managers and employees of small- and medium-sized companies. Pilot studies allowed further development of this tool. Relevant quantitative empirical studies have shown that knowledge management in terms of market orientation is a determinant of the growth and development of contemporary small- and medium-sized companies. Both market orientation and knowledge management place knowledge at the center of attention. The implementation by entrepreneurs of knowledge management with respect to market orientation allows them to achieve a competitive advantage and is an effective method of organization development. The presented results expand on previous studies carried out on large entities with respect to market orientation and knowledge management. The results of the studies are important for managers/owners of small and medium enterprises as they provide information and improve understanding of the mutual relationships among market orientation, knowledge management processes, and their impact on effective performance in companies.