The relationship between knowledge management, information and communication technologies and performance from the resource-based view in small and medium manufacturing firms

Ibáñez de Opacua, Amaia (2006) The relationship between knowledge management, information and communication technologies and performance from the resource-based view in small and medium manufacturing firms. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Although much has been written about knowledge management and information systems, there is little empirical evidence of their actual effect on organisational performance and their interrelationship. Aiming at addressing this gap, this thesis investigates the relationships between knowledge management capabilities, information and communication technologies (ICT) capabilities and organizational performance in SMEs. Drawing mainly on the knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, this study suggests that knowledge management capabilities and ICT capabilities are potential sources of competitive advantage and, thus, those firms possessing these capabilities will achieve superior organisational performance. Building upon the KBV and other complementary theories such as the dynamic capabilities and evolutionary theories, a conceptual model is developed, which a range of research questions and hypotheses emerge from. These hypotheses are tested on a sample of 159 manufacturer SMEs within the mechanical engineering sector and located in the UK, using diverse statistical techniques. The results suggest that knowledge management capabilities have a significant and positive impact on innovation, responsiveness and adaptability, while they barely influence results such as success, market share, growth and profitability. On the other hand, both human and technical capabilities regarding ICT have an impact on all types of performance indicators. Interrelationships between knowledge management and ICT capabilities are found, supporting the idea of capabilities complementarity. The level of turbulence which firms undergo has also been found an important influence on innovation, responsiveness and adaptability. Based on these findings, practitioners and policy makers are given advice about which aspects they should focus on, in order to implement knowledge management practices and manage ICT successfully.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce; H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Supervisor's Name: MacIntosh, Prof. Robert and Jones, Prof. Marian
• Date of Award: 2006
• Depositing User: Geraldine Coyle
• Unique ID: glathesis:2006-977
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 Aug 2009
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:29
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/977