Understanding the fit between KAs and the firm in five software SMEs

There remains a lack of empirical evidence exploring how software SMEs operationalise their approach to knowledge management (KM). This study endeavours to offer a tangible mechanism for understanding and diagnosing how this type of firm manages knowledge. The objective of this study was to devise a classification of knowledge activities (KAs) which facilitates the exploration of a Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in terms of the type and extent to which knowledge is managed. Further to this, analysis of KAs provided a greater understanding of the fit between the firm's objectives and the KM approach pursued. In order to achieve this, five case studies were conducted and subsequently. Based on the classification of KAs identified, a qualitative analysis approach was used to code each of the twenty eight interviews conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods were applied to facilitate data reduction and generate meaning from the significant volume of data collected. The output from this study includes a classification of KAs which provide a rich insight into how SMEs are motivated to deal with knowledge as a means of achieving their organisational objectives. From a practitioner viewpoint, this study seeks to offer an improved understanding of an SMEs' approach to KM, particularly in the current economic climate where SMEs with significantly curtailed resources endeavour to seek new ways of leveraging knowledge in order to deal with unanticipated events.