Inter-organizational knowledge transfer in Omani SMEs: influencing factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himyar Al-Jabri ◽  
Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) is important especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations need external knowledge to improve learning capabilities and their own competitiveness. SMEs are important for every nation’s economy. IOKT can enable SMEs’ learning and innovation and consequently its contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the IOKT process in Omani SMEs. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative methodology. Participants were ten Omani SMEs from the information and communications technology sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. The study is based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Findings The results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge is considered to be important to SMEs. This research also showed that IOKT is affected by many factors related to the donor organization, recipient organization, nature of the knowledge and inter-organizational dynamics. The core factor to IOKT in SMEs is risk and trust. Originality/value Literature shows that there is an emphasis on the importance of studying knowledge management in SMEs; however, there is little work that has been done. Such study is even more important for Omani SMEs to improve their learning, innovation and contribution to a national diversified economy. This study provides valuable insights to establish an effective foundation for IOKT in Omani SMEs.

Enriching SME Learning and Innovation Through Inter-Organizational Knowledge Transfer

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-32
Author(s):  
Himyar Al-Jabri ◽  
Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategic Performance ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are today considered a driving force in several nations' economies. Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) enables organizations including SMEs to improve operational and strategic performance. To enhance SMEs' competitive advantages, they need external knowledge to enrich learning capabilities. This study uses qualitative methodology to examine the values that can be generated from the IOKT process in SMEs. Participants were 10 Omani SMEs from the ICT sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. Based on face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, the results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge transfer is considered important to SMEs. Results indicated that learning benefits are gained from informal IOKT activities at those SMEs, but they do not yet show a strong impact on the innovation performance of organizations. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the SME domain to use as a basis for their investigations.

Intellectual capital, knowledge management and social capital within the ICT sector in Jordan

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Meaad Ramadan ◽  
Samer Eid Dahiyat ◽  
Nick Bontis ◽  
Mahmoud Ali Al-dalahmeh
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the mediating effect of social capital (SC) on knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC). Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model of the connections between IC, KM, and SC was developed and the posited hypotheses were tested using a survey data set of 281 questionnaires collected from knowledge workers working in 72 information and communications technology companies operating in Jordan. Findings The findings show that knowledge documentation and knowledge transfer emerged as having the strongest effects on IC, followed by knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation, while knowledge application was found to have an insignificant effect. Also, knowledge transfer and knowledge acquisition emerged as the only two significant processes for the development of SC. Moreover, SC was found to partially and significantly mediate the effects of all processes on IC. Practical implications To promote the development of IC, particularly, in a knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) sector, documentation, transfer, acquisition, and creation of knowledge are especially effective processes. Furthermore, SC can be significantly enhanced through ensuring effective internal knowledge transfer and acquisition practices. Nurturing IC in a knowledge-intensive context can also be significantly enhanced through looking at the firm as a cooperative knowledge-sharing entity, i.e. investing in SC. Originality/value This is the first empirical study that has examined the links among KM processes, SC, and IC in a KIBS sector within an “oil-poor,” “human resource-rich” Arab developing country context.

A Daoist perspective on leadership: reputation-building in Chinese SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-300
Author(s):  
Hongqin Li ◽  
Oswald Jones ◽  
William S. Harvey ◽  
Jie Yang
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Letting Go ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Cross Fertilization ◽  
Reputation Building

PurposeThis article examines the influence of Daoist nothingness on leadership in growing Chinese small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Daoism is based on a “letting-go” approach through maintaining inherent openness, which challenges goal-oriented and hierarchical approaches typical of Western and Confucian leadership theories. This facilitates the cross-fertilization of ideas related to the effective management of smaller firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on SME leaders in a group of 12 growing SMEs in the Shanghai logistics industry in China. Narrative and semi-structured interviews explored emerging aspects beyond the established model of leadership associated with reputation-building. This led to in-depth, thick descriptions, broadening our understanding of leadership and reputation-building.FindingsSME leaders follow nothingness by continuously adopting a letting-go approach which spontaneously fosters reputation-building. By maintaining inherent openness, nothingness functions as an enabling principle that mobilizes multi-beings leading to reputation-building in unintended ways.Research limitations/implicationsA greater plurality of empirical and methodological contexts in Western and non-Western countries helps to understand the dynamics and intersection of Daoist nothingness, leadership and reputation-building.Practical implicationsSME leaders recounted how they discursively practised nothingness for extended periods in their everyday practice. The study shows the significance of nothingness for SME leaders who aspire to grow their businesses by reputation-building among salient stakeholders.Social implicationsDaoist nothingness provides insights into the distinctive approach of Chinese SME leaders and their relationships with local and distant stakeholders. By engaging in active non-action they relax pre-determined intentions and immerse themselves in the process of leading, where the connections between goals and processes are automatically animated. Such an approach differs from the top-down and goal-oriented approach to leadership adopted in many Western SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper makes two theoretical contributions. First, it indicates the powerful influence of Daoist nothingness on leadership by drawing on the broader context of entrepreneurship in Chinese SMEs. Secondly, it enriches existing concepts such as reputation by endowment and reputation borrowing by demonstrating how Daoist nothingness silently fosters both local reputation and generalized reputation.

scholarly journals From feeding-back to feeding-forward: managerial feedback as a trigger of change in SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-42
Author(s):  
Alexandros Psychogios ◽  
Feim Blakcori ◽  
Leslie Szamosi ◽  
Nicholas O’Regan
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Formal Concept ◽  
Feedback Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Term Change ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and theorize the process of managerial feedback in relation to change in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis research embraces a qualitative methodology in the context of manufacturing SMEs. Drawing on 30 in-depth interviews, and observations conducted with various managers in six SMEs operating in three countries, it is argued that managers benefit more by using daily, ongoing, feedback as a trigger of change in their organizations.FindingsThe findings suggest that there is an overall view that managers appear to be reluctant to change existing processes using formalized feedback mechanisms, which runs counter-intuitive to the literature. In contrast, informal methods of feedback work better in enhancing organizational change. Moreover, another two features of feedback enhance this process, namely, benefits oriented and confidence oriented. As such, this study contributes to existing knowledge and practice by proposing a three-fold form of feedback through which managers expand their perspectives of feedback from feeding-back to feeding-forward thereby enhancing the opportunities of triggering change.Research limitations/implicationsFeedback should merely be considered as a dynamic and socially constructed managerial practice. A practice where actors not only exchange information and share knowledge, but also act, react and interact with each other as they constantly rethinking the change process. The proposed aspect of feedback emphasizes knowledge therapeutically and in combination with the dialogical discourse (practical illustration) that increases the odds for capturing change as a natural, rather than exceptional.Practical implicationsPractitioners, as such, may wish to consider the terminology used when it comes to studying change and its implementation in a crisis context. Using deformalized managerial feedback mechanisms to tackle a formal phenomenon like “change” could help avoid employees perceiving a negative connotation, causing resistance or confusion and feeling threatened. Therefore, the authors suggest that practitioners, during development initiatives on modernizing or altering organizational processes, consider replacing the term “change” as a formal concept.Originality/valueIt is an investigation from an exploratory perspective in studying and understanding the causes, factors and modalities that trigger managerial feedback toward organizational change in manufacturing SMEs.

Trust formation in information systems implementation in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranjan Vaidya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Comparison Method ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trust Relationships ◽  
Trust Formation ◽  
Information Systems Implementation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the trust formation expectations of stakeholders in the implementation of information and communications technology for development (ICT4D) projects. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a qualitative methodology inspired by a critical approach. It uses a thematic analysis approach, and draws the results using a constant comparison method. It is guided by the Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practices. This is an empirical study that uses semi-structured interviews for the data collection. Findings Lack of an integrated view of emancipatory expectations has a negative impact on the trust levels of stakeholders. An integrated view of emancipation has physical, moral and social dimensions. Originality/value The study brings forth the concept of entry point activities (EPAs). To the author’s knowledge, this is the first application of this concept in ICT4D research. EPAs can be used to develop trust relationships between the stakeholders of ICT4D projects.

Contractor use of productivity and sustainability indicators for building refurbishment

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Anil Sezer
Keyword(s):  
Resource Use ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Refurbishment ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Key Indicators ◽  
Site Managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the use of building refurbishment productivity and sustainability indicators among construction contractors. Design/methodology/approach – Theories of organisational culture and incentives predict that contractor size affects dependency on routines and the implementation of company policies on site. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with three general or site managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and five site managers of large contractors involved in housing and office refurbishment projects in Sweden. Findings – Both SMEs and large contractors track resource use on refurbishment sites. Resource use is measured through cost recording systems and a few area-based key indicators. SMEs may have sustainability policies, but routines derived from such policies were weak on site. However, for SMEs, refurbishment technology choices are often made by the client’s designer, and sustainability requirements are included in the contract specifications. For large contractors, sustainability policies are more developed and are reflected in site routines. Large contractors are usually public companies with stakeholders who expect such routines. Practical implications – Contractors that develop strategies for increasing productivity and sustainability can benefit from a deeper understanding of implementation issues. The outcome of this paper is useful while designing new indicators and building certification schemes. Originality/value – Much has been written about key performance indicators for construction, but little attention has been paid to indicators for building refurbishment, or the use of measurement routines.

scholarly journals Skill shortage of bricklayers in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Lawani ◽  
Sarah McKenzie-Govan ◽  
Billy Hare ◽  
Fred Sherratt ◽  
Iain Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skills Shortage ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This study identifies that bricklaying trade has not benefited much from off-site production, and bricklaying has been highlighted as a trade significantly affected by the documented skills shortage in Scotland with 66% of small and medium enterprises reporting difficulties in recruiting bricklayers. Design/methodology/approach This study used an interpretivistic philosophy adopting the phenomenological qualitative research approach using purposeful sampling technique and semi-structured interviews to allow for emergent themes to develop. The theory of proximal similarity that connects the study’s characteristics and the characteristics of the group under study was adopted. Findings Findings from the emergent themes identified issues grouped into key themes such as inconsistency of income, lack of care and self-employed workforce. The sub-themes included the Scottish climate, risk and profit, physical strain and government expectations and the cost of innovation. These were considered in relation to their existing and future implications for the industry. Research limitations/implications A wider and more diverse group of industry participants from different parts of Scotland would have made the study more representative. Practical implications It is imperative that the Scottish construction industry supports, develops and trains future bricklayers capable of maintaining existing housing stock and to deliver on future construction projects in Scotland. Originality/value This study explores the shortage of skilled bricklayers within the Scottish construction sector.

Intellectual capital and resilience in torn societies

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Daou ◽  
Jay Joseph ◽  
Dalia Sabah Yousif ◽  
Ramzi Fathallah ◽  
Gerald Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
The Face ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between intellectual capital (IC) and resilience in torn societies while proposing an integrative framework. Due to adversities faced by entrepreneurs in such contexts, an understanding of the role of resilience along with IC has become crucial for businesses to succeed and survive. Design/methodology/approach This study takes an in-depth look at the three components of IC – human, organizational and external capital and their association with resilience. In order to do so, a qualitative study on 17 Iraqi micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was conducted using data collected through semi-structured interviews with the founders. The interviews were translated and coded by native speakers. Findings The results suggest that IC and resilience are interrelated concepts where IC components contribute to the resilience capabilities of entrepreneurs to survive and continue their businesses during turbulent times. Practical implications Implications for managers and policymakers are presented; in brief, strategies and policies are required to support entrepreneurial success in the Iraqi context. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature on IC for entrepreneurs. So far, few studies have dealt with the association between IC and resilience, and less so in torn societies. This paper contributes to research on enterprise development and survival under conflict zones; it highlights some of the factors that could form resilience of a MSME in the face of uncertainty; and it contributes to the literature on IC as it helps us understand certain capacities that build up and/or support MSME resilience in such a context.

scholarly journals Development of assessment methodology for improving performance in SME's

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Munir Ahmad ◽  
Osama Alaskari
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Assessment Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Class ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Effective Assessment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. Design/methodology/approach – This area of the study focuses on the assessment of performance in manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains qualitative and quantitative measures that can quantify the opportunities and benefits within SMEs, as well as identifying the performance gaps between the current performance of the company and world-class performance. This includes reviewing the literature relating to assessment methodology and collecting data by carrying out semi-structured interviews with staff at target SMEs. Findings – The results show that the proposed assessment methodology is effective in identifying hidden opportunities and benefits in the manufacturing SMEs sector, establishing world-class performance of the companies and comparing this with current performance in order to identify gaps in performance in manufacturing SMEs. Practical implications – This assessment can be used for monitoring and assessing SMEs performance. The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as an assessment and benchmarking tool. It enables manufacturing SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and determine the gaps in current performance; this will assist manufacturing SMEs in selecting an appropriate tool to improve their performance in order to achieve the company objectives. Originality/value – This paper presents a successful and effective assessment methodology for manufacturing SMEs. It measures current performance which will provide a useful indicator to identify waste. It attempts to improve company performance and suggests how such activities could be organised and managed more effectively. Consequently it leads to a high potential for cost and time saving and quality improvement.

A critical examination of implementing government sponsored intellectual capital management and reporting programs for small and medium enterprises

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Tee Jeok Inn ◽  
John Dumay ◽  
Katsuhiko Kokubu
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of implementation of government-sponsored intellectual capital (IC) management and reporting (ICMR) programmes in Hong Kong and Japan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the purpose of issuing an IC statement (ICS). Design/methodology/approach – The authors present a critical analysis using semi-structured interviews with employees and owners of Hong Kong and Japanese SMEs who participated in their respective government’s ICMR programmes and who published an ICS. Findings – The authors conclude that many enterprises did not achieve the full benefit of participating in the ICMR programme because consultants funded by the government prepared the ICS. Instead, consultants should take on more of a “missionary” role, educating enterprises about IC, rather than doing the work for them. Research limitations/implications – This research is restricted to enterprises that published one or more ICS. Future research should include enterprises participating in the ICMR programme that failed to publish an ICS. Practical implications – Enterprises that are able to utilise IC in their daily business routine will think IC is useful and continue using it. Conversely, those enterprises that relied on consultants to prepare the ICS will not understand its benefits. Originality/value – Policymakers should not solely concentrate on creating new IC reporting frameworks or guidelines for enterprises to follow because this focus limits the understanding of how enterprises can utilise IC concepts with the consequence that they may eventually give up on IC reporting.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document