1. Use of knowledge management systems: analysis of the strategies of Brazilian small and medium enterprises
- Author
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Piera Centobelli, Roberto Cerchione, Euro Marques Júnior, Fernando Fukunaga, Jose Alcides Gobbo, Marques Junior, E., Gobbo, J. A., Fukunaga, F., Cerchione, R., Centobelli, P., Faculty of Agudos (FAAG), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), University of Naples Parthenope, and University of Naples Federico II
- Subjects
Index (economics) ,Knowledge management ,business.industry ,Strategy and Management ,Knowledge economy ,05 social sciences ,Knowledge management systems ,SMEs ,Sample (statistics) ,Small-to-medium-sized enterprises ,Computer-assisted web interviewing ,Small-to-medium-sized enterprise ,Knowledge management system ,Work (electrical) ,Management of Technology and Innovation ,0502 economics and business ,Management system ,050211 marketing ,Business ,Small and medium-sized enterprises ,Productivity ,050203 business & management - Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to highlight the degree of diffusion and intensity of use of knowledge management systems (KMSs) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil and apply a taxonomy that synthesizes the strategies of use of KMSs by the SMEs. In addition, it seeks to better understand the processes, practices and technologies of KM by SMEs, pointing improvements in the KMS of Brazilian SMEs and contributing to obtain better results in the search for efficiency and innovation. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review on KMSs used by SMEs, an empirical investigation was conceived, developed and conducted through online questionnaires involving 49 selected SMEs operating in several sectors. Findings This paper reinforces the results of the previous work of Cerchione and Esposito (2017) that point to the existence of a reciprocal relationship between KM-Tools and KM-Practices: one reinforces the other and vice versa. On the other hand, it indicates a difference in the behavior of Brazilian companies in relation to the sample of Italian companies studied by Cerchione and Esposito (2017), which presented a negative correlation between the general differentiation index and the general use intensity index of SMEs, while the Brazilian ones showed a positive correlation. Research limitations/implications The study points out the need for greater dissemination of practices and tools to support knowledge management (KM), as well as greater support for the implementation and effective use of these practices and tools within the organizational context of SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies the main practices and tools to support KM used by Brazilian SMEs, indicating the need for investments in employee training and acquisition of tools. Social implications SMEs represent an important part of the generation of jobs and income in Brazil. Initiatives that lead to the successful implementation of tools and practices to support KM can increase the efficiency and productivity of these organizations. Originality/value This paper applies in a sample of Brazilian companies the taxonomy proposed by Cerchione and Esposito (2017) combining strategies of SMEs for the use of KMSs.
- Published
- 2020