An exploration of learning, the knowledge‐based economy, and owner‐managers of small bookselling businesses

Abstract

Learning and knowledge in all its various forms have always played an important role in economic development. A major focus however, has been on the impact of the knowledge‐based economy on big, rather than small businesses. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine whether a group of small business owner/managers participated in a range of learning activities, and if so, what those learning activities were. At the same time, the extent to which owner/managers of small businesses were aware of the knowledge‐based economy was also explored, as was the degree to which they participated in it. It was found that, participation in learning did occur, but that greater reliance was placed on informal rather than formal learning. It was also found that the understanding of the knowledge‐based economy varied considerably from those who had some knowledge of the concept, to those who had no understanding at all. While this study is regional in nature, it makes a valid contribution to the study of small business learning from a global perspective.