Exploring KM features and learning in Iranian SMEs
| Published date | 26 June 2007 |
| Date | 26 June 2007 |
| Pages | 207-218 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720710759973 |
| Author | Mostafa Jafari,Mohammad Fathian,Peyman Akhavan,Reza Hosnavi |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Exploring KM features and
learning in Iranian SMEs
Mostafa Jafari and Mohammad Fathian
Department of Industrial Engineering,
Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran, and
Peyman Akhavan and Reza Hosnavi
Department of Management and Industrial Engineering,
Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to explore knowledge management and learning
features in some Iranian small and medium-sized enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed using
statistical methods. The results discuss various perspectives from the knowledge management point
of view, and provide some important findings and a regression model to show the essential issues of
the subject.
Findings – The learning factor was assumed as a dependent variable to carry out regression analysis
with four factors: training; interactive participation of employees; flat structures in SMEs; and CEO
support and commitment. The statistical analysis determined the four factors as important issues in
the regression model. The results also showed that there is no relationship between organizational size
and the need for knowledge management.
Practical implications – Most SMEs in Iran are still traditional. Their school of thought belongs to
the industrial age and their efforts are not aligned to the knowledge era’s requirements. Today’s
changes dictate a new model of thinking as a basic requirement. SMEs in Iran have to restructure their
way of thinking towards a knowledge-based paradigm for competitiveness and survival.
Originality/value – This study is probably the first to provide an integrated perspective of
exploring knowledge management through Iranian SMEs. It gives valuable information and
guidelines that hopefully will help SME leaders in decision making in the KM area.
Keywords Knowledge management, Knowledge economy,Small to medium-sized enterprises,
Regression analysis,Iran
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In recent decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of new and effective forces
that seek to configure and reshape the economy at the macro level and organizations at
the micro level. This has precipitated fundamental changes in strategy and given rise
to a revolution in the knowledge domain.
Nowadays mature governments understand the importance of knowledge and the
management of knowledge, so related activities are led by top levels and ranks,
especially in advanced and developed countries (Akhavan and Jafari, 2006).
The result of the knowledge revolution is the new economy or the knowledge-based
economy, which is radically different from the economy types known previously.
Essentially, the knowledge-based economy is characterized by the conversion of
knowledge into essential raw materials, capital, products, production factors of the
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
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KM features and
learning
207
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 37 No. 2, 2007
pp. 207-218
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720710759973
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