Knowledge sharing as a competitive advantage of SMEs

Abstract

One of the factors that can help SMEs to achieve and keep a competitive advantage is by the use of the knowledge which the SMEs have at their disposal. The aim of this paper is to suggest some arrangements to knowledge sharing support in the setting of SMEs. The paper is based on an analysis of secondary information sources and partly on the conclusions gained from interviews with managers and discussion groups. The findings suggest that the facilitation of knowledge sharing is closely related to the activities of human resource management, with work organisation, the provision of materially-technical conditions, staff development and the motivation of employees. The motivation for knowledge sharing is necessary to take into account because individuals often decide about sharing or not sharing their knowledge on the basis of a comparison between the benefits of knowledge sharing and the costs of not sharing. The choice of suitable managers can also have an important role in knowledge sharing support.