Title: How to deal with knowledge in small companies? Defining emergent KM approach

Authors: Ettore Bolisani; Enrico Scarso; Małgorzata Zięba

Addresses: DTG – Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Stradella San Nicola, 3 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy; IAKM – International Association for Knowledge Management, c.o. DTG – Stradella San Nicola, 3 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy ' DTG – Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Stradella San Nicola, 3 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy; IAKM – International Association for Knowledge Management, c.o. DTG – Stradella San Nicola, 3 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy ' Division of Management, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 – Gdansk, Poland; IAKM – International Association for Knowledge Management, c.o. DTG – Stradella San Nicola, 3 – 36100 Vicenza, Italy

Abstract: This paper examines the concept of emergent KM approach in small companies. The origins of consideration are grounded in the theory of strategic management literature and in particular the distinction between deliberate versus emergent approach towards strategic planning. Using the methodology of case study, we carried out an explorative research to analyse the characteristics of KM approach in two small companies located in Italy and in Poland. Both companies appeared to adopt an emergent KM approach and therefore, a detailed analysis of this phenomenon was feasible, as well as description of its main features. On the basis of the research results, implications for both managers and researchers are discussed.

Keywords: knowledge management; emergent KM; KM definition; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; case study; ICT service providers; Italy; Poland; small fims; strategic management; strategic planning; information technology; information and communications technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2016.075701

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2016 Vol.13 No.2/3, pp.104 - 118

Received: 18 Dec 2014
Accepted: 19 Nov 2015
Published online: 31 Mar 2016 *

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