Sustaining Knowledge in SMEs: Learning as a Moderator in Knowledge Sharing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/sh.v6n1.539Keywords:
Knowledge, learning, workplace learning, knowledge sharing, SMEsAbstract
Most organizations today have come to accept the value of knowledge as a form of strategic advantage for products or service enhancement. In fact, knowledge is one of the main critical resources for wealth creation and the crucial factor for being competitive advantage. Thus, important knowledge must be retained in organizations before this knowledge could be lost through redundancy, retirement, resignation and even through promotion. Therefore, knowledge sharing has been recognized as a positive force to sustain knowledge in an organization. In view of this, knowledge could be acquired through knowledge sharing process during workplace learning. Workplace learning is able to ensure acquisition of knowledge necessary for the daily work process purpose and at the same time to provides impetus of new knowledge through the collaborative activities amongst employees of an organization as a whole. By reviewing the relevant literature, this paper explores the impact of workplace learning activities on knowledge sharing. It identifies the conceptual process of workplace learning that the authors believe could provide basis for the enhancement of knowledge sharing. Thus, the paper identifies the conceptual process of workplace learning that the author believes the potential of workplace learning to enhance knowledge sharing among employees in Small Medium and Enterprise (SMEs). Finally, the paper proposes the workplace learning as a new direction to enhance knowledge sharing among employees.
References
Al-Hawamdeh, S. (2003). Knowledge Management. Cultivating Knowledge Professionals. USA: Chandos Publishing.
Anand, A. and Singh, M. D. (2011). Understanding Knowledge Management: A Literature Review. International Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 3(2), 926–939.
Anitha, C. (2006). Determinants of Knowledge Sharing Behaviors: Developing and Testing an Integrated Theoretical Model. Phd dissertation. Arlington: The University of Texas
Billet, S. (2002). Critiquing Workplace Learning Discourses: Participation and Continuity at Work. Studies in the Education of Adults, 34(1), 56–67.
Billet, S. (2010). Workplace Learning Frameworks. International of Encyclopedia of Education. (3th Edi), 58–63.
Billett, S. (2008). Learning Through Work: Exploring Instances of Relational Interdependencies. International Journal of Educational Research, 47(4), 232–240.
Billett, S. and Choy, S. (2013). Learning Through Work: Emerging Perspectives and New Challenges. Journal of Workplace Learning, 25(4), 264–276.
Boud, D., Cohen, R. and Walker, D. (1993). Introduction: Understanding Learning from Experience. In Boud, D., Cohen, R. and Walker, D. Using experience for Learning, 1–17. Buckingham: Open University Press
Corley, M. A. (2008). Adult Learning Theories. American Institutes for Research, 8, 5–6.
Cranton, P. (2006). Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning. (2nd Ed.) San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Cross, J. (2006). Informal Learning. Rediscovering the Natural Pathways That Inspire Innovation and Performance. US: John Wiley and Sons
Daudelin, M. W. (1996). Learning From Experience Through Reflection. Organizational Dynamics, 24(3), 36–48.
Du, R., Ai, S. and Ren, Y. (2007). Relationship Between Knowledge Sharing and Performance: A Survey in Xi’an, China. Expert Systems with Applications, 32(2007), 38–46.
Fink K. and Ploder C. (2009). Balanced System for Knowledge Process Management in SMEs. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 22(1/2), 36–50.
Firestone, J. M. and McElroy, M. W. (2005). Doing KM. The Learning Organization Journal, 12(2), 189–212.
Fry, H., Ketteridge, S. and Marshall, S. (2009). A Handbook For Teaching And Learning In Higher Education. Enhancing Academic Practice. 3th. Ed. New York: Routledge.
Hendriks, P. (1999). Why share knowledge? The influence of ICT on the motivation for KS. Knowledge and process management, 6(2), 91–100.
Hendry, C., Arthur, M. B., and Jones, A. M. (1995). Strategy Through People. Adaptation and Learning in the Small-Medium Enterprise. London: Routledge
Hergenhahn, B. R. and Olson, M. H. (2008). An Introduction to Theorist of Learning. N.J: Prentice Hall
Hsu, I. (2008). Knowledge sharing practices as a facilitating factor for improving organizational performance through human capital: A preliminary test. Expert Systems with Applications, 35, 1316–1326
Huysman, M. and Wit, D. D. (2002). Knowledge Sharing in Practice. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers
Jakubic, M. (2011). Becoming to Know. Shifting the Knowledge Creation Paradigm. Journal of Knowledge Management, 15(3), 374–402.
Jarvis, P. (2005). Towards a Philosophy of Human Learning. An Existentialist perspective. In Jarvis, P. and Parker, S. (Ed) Human Learning. An Holistic Approach, 2–15). London: Routledge.
Jarvis, P. (2006). Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Human Learning. Lifelong Learning and the Learning Society. London: Routledge.
Jones, C. R. (2007). Exploring The Practices Of Knowledge Sharing Between Projects: An Investigation On The Dimensions Of What, When, And How Knowledge Is Shared. PHD Dissertation. Capella University
Ju, T. L., Li, C. Y and Lee, T. S. (2006). A Contingency Model for Knowledge Management Capability and Innovation. Industrial Management and Data System, 106(6), 855–877.
Karalis, T. (2010). Situated and Transformative Learning: Exploring the Potential of Critical Reflection to Enhance Organizational Knowledge. Development and Learning in Organizations, 24(1), 17–20.
Lappia, J. H. (2011). Towards design guidelines for work related learning arrangements. Journal of European Industrial Trainin, 35(6), 573–588
Law, C., & Ngai, E. (2008). An empirical study of the effects of knowledge sharing and learning behaviors on firm performance. Expert Systems with Application, 34(4), 2342–2349
Lee, D. J. and Ahn, J. H. (2006). Rewards Systems for Intra-organizational Knowledge Sharing. European Journal of Operational Research, 180 (2007), 938–956.
Lee, H. W. and Yu, C. F. (2011). Effect of organizational relationship style on the level of KS. International Journal of Manpower, 32(5), 677–686.
Liu, C. C., (2008). The Relationship Between Machiavellianism and Knowledge Sharing Willingness. The Journal of Business and Psychology, 22(3). 233–240.
Loogma, K. (2004). Learning at Work and Competence: Different Contexts and Meanings in the Case of Transition Economy. Journal of European Industrial Training, 28 (7), 574–586.
McAdam, R. and Reid, R. (2000). A Comparison of Public and Private Sector Perceptions and Use of Knowledge Management. Journal of European Industrial Training, 317–329.
Mezirow, J. (1990) How Critical Reflection Triggers Transformative Learning. In: Jack Mezirow and Associates. Fostering Critical Reflection in Adulthood. A Guide to Transformative and Emancipatory Learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Miller, P. C. (2005). The role of knowledge creation in competitive advantage. In Montani, B. Innovations of Knowledge Management, 285–299. London: IRM Press
Nonaka, I. (1994). A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation. Organizational Science, 5 (1), 14–37.
Nonaka, I., Toyama, R. and Konno, N. (2000). SECI, Ba and Leadership: A Unified Model of Dynamic KM. Long Range Planning, 33, 5–34.
Ormrod, J.E. (1995). Educational Psychology. Principles and Applications. Eaglewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Park, J. and Lee, J. (2014). Knowledge Sharing in Information Systems Development projects: Explicating the role of Dependence and Trust. International Journal of Project Management, 32(2014), 153–165.
Pasher, E. and Ronen, T. (2011). The Complete Guide to Knowledge Management. A Strategic Plan to Leverage Your Company’s Intellectual Capital. US: John Wiley and Sons
Paulsson, K., Ivergard, T., & Hunt, B. (2005). Learning at Work: Competence Development or Competence-stress. Applied Ergonomics, 36(2), 135–144.
Raelin, J.A. (1998). Work-based Learning in practice. Journal of Workplace Learning, 10 (6/7), 280–283.
Rahman, R. A. (2011). Knowledge sharing practices: A case study at Malaysia’s healthcare research institutes. The International Information & Library Review, 43, 207–214.
Senge, P. M. (1996). The Leader’s New Work. Building Learning Organizations. In Starkey, K. How Organizations Learn UK: Thomson Business Press
Sessa, V. I. and London, M. (2006). Continuous Learning in Organizations. Individual, Group, and Organizational Perspective. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Sessa, V. I., London, M., P.C., G. B. and P. J. (2011). Adaptive, Generative, and Transformative Learning in Project Teams. Team Performance Management, 17(3/4), 146–167.
Song, J. H. and Chermack, T. J. (2008). A Theoretical Approach to the Organizational Knowledge Formation Process: Integrating the Concepts of Individual Learning and Learning Organization Culture. Human Resource Development Review, 7 (4), 424–442.
Strom, P and Strom, R. (2011). Adult Learning and Relationships. US: Information Age Publishing.
Tan, C. L. and Aizzat, M. N. (2010). Knowledge Management Effectiveness and Technological Innovation: An Empirical Study in the Malaysian Manufacturing Industry. Journal of Mobile Technologies, Knowledge and Society. 2010. DOI:10.5171/2010.428053
Taylor, J. and Furnham, A. (2005). Learning at Work. Excellent Practice From Best Theory. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
Tynjala, P. (2008). Perspectives into learning at the workplace. Educational Research Review, 3(2008), 130–154.
Van, W. M. and Poell, R.F. (2010). Workplace Learning: Concepts, Measurement and Application. London: Routledge
Wan, Z., Wang, Y. and Haggerty, N. (2008). Why People Benefit From E-Learning Differently: The Effects of Psychological Processes on E-Learning Outcomes. Information & Management, 45(8), 513–521.
Yang, J. (2007). The Impact of Knowledge Sharing on Organizational Learning and Effectiveness. Journal of Knowledge Management, 11(2), 83–90.
