Knowledge Sharing in SMEs: A Comparison of Two Case Study Organisations

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on the knowledge sharing activities of two small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); both companies are based in the UK with one company from the pharmaceutical industry and the other from engineering. A case study approach was adopted to compare and contrast three aspects of knowledge sharing in these SMEs. The three aspects related to: the use of different knowledge sharing facilities; how different organisational roles influence the sharing of knowledge; and the different knowledge sharing barriers that faced these companies. The authors conclude that, although both SMEs rely on their knowledge sharing facilities, especially the formal facilities, there were differences in their use. It was also concluded that, although no single role shared significantly more knowledge than others, certain roles did highlight more knowledge sharing barriers then others.