The Impact of Knowledge Sharing on Corporate Culture- An Outlook on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

In recent years the concepts of knowledge management and corporateculture have often been in the centre of research projects aiming at small andmedium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Is there a relationship between both potentialcompetitive advantages? If so what are the consequences? The authorJulia Ihlenfeld gives a historical overview of both concepts and then analyzestheir interface illustrated by a case study of three small companies from differentsectors. She argues that the greater the knowledge transferred from aboss to the subordinates the stronger is the company's tendency towards acollectivist approach rather than an individualist approach to its objectivesand the higher is the employees' motivation to fulfil their tasks within the organisation.This hypothesis has been tested quantitatively by means of aLikert-style rating scale. The analysis of the primary data shows that - in theframework of this case study - the extent of knowledge transfer is positivelycorrelated with employee motivation and collectivism. This book aims atdecision makers in the field of human resources attractors of knowledgemanagement as well as managers and any company doing business in thisworld where corporate culture and knowledge management are decisivesuccess factors.