Knowledge sharing in SMEs: modelling the barriers

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is the foundation stone to knowledge management (KM) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Some variables hinder knowledge sharing (KS) in the organisations. These variables are known as knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs). The objective of this paper is to identify the critical KSBs for SMEs and their mutual influences. Identification of KSBs which are at the root of the hierarchy (called driving KSBs) and those which are at the top of the hierarchy (called dependent KSBs) is the main aim of this research work. A questionnaire-based survey has been conducted to rank these KSBs. The results of the survey and the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) methodology have been used to evolve mutual relationships among these KSBs. It is observed that two KSBs, namely ‘lack of top management commitment’ and ‘KM is not well understood’, have high driving power and therefore deserve serious attention. Arrangement of KSBs in a hierarchy and their categorisation into the driver and dependent categories is an exclusive effort in the area of KS. The study concludes with a discussion and managerial implications.