|
Full Length Research Paper
|
|
Identification and prioritization of critical success
factors of knowledge management in Iranian SMEs: An experts’
view
Changiz Valmohammadi
Department of Industrial Management,
Faculty of Management and Accounting, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran
Branch, Tehran, Iran.
E-mail:
valmohammadi@yahoo.com,
Tel: +98-21-22851610. Fax:+98-21-88322779.
Accepted 6 January, 2010 |
|
|
|
Abstract |
|
|
This paper aims to identify and prioritize the importance of
critical success factors (CSFs), which have been proposed in the
form of empirical and theoretical studies by different authors
and scholars. Through an in-depth and comparative study twelve
CSFs along with their related elements were identified and an
instrument then was developed to collect the views of knowledge
management (KM) experts on the perceived importance of CSFs.
Through statistical analysis tests, reliability and validity
including construct validity of the instrument was approved by
factor analysis. The analysis of these CSFs showed that
leadership and support of top management and organizational
culture factors were perceived to be the most important factors,
whereas rewarding and motivation and benchmarking factors were the
least. Since companies may not be able to manage all aspects of
knowledge at the same time, an ordered list of CSFs will provide
a clue to Iranian organizations, particularly SMEs which are
keen to implement KM initiative to prioritize and adjust their
knowledge practices. The research adds knowledge in the field of
KM within the context of developing countries and gives a
particular focus on the Iran SMEs; as a review of literature has
identified no studies that have undertaken a comprehensive
analysis of KM practices in the Iranian context. Also this study
has the potential to enhance the understanding of KM practices
amongst researches and practitioners.
Key words:
Critical success factors, knowledge management, small to medium
sized enterprises, factors analysis, Iran. |
