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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge management (KM) approach followed by small companies. In particular, after introducing the notion of emergent approach, the paper aims to examine if that notion is useful to properly describe the way small businesses approach their KM activities.\ud Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the results of a qualitative survey involving 12 owners and managers of small companies belonging to the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector. The survey uses the case-study method.\ud Findings – The findings confirm that the approach to KM adopted by small companies can be defined as emergent: in the analysed cases, there were no formal KM plans, despite the fact that the examined companies have all introduced various KM practices. This shows that there can be the need to define KM approaches that better fit smaller companies

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Purpose This paper aims to categorise the approaches to knowledge management (KM) by companies. In the literature, there is no consensus on a universal or “best” approach to KM. Especially, this paper singles out and discusses the variegated features that characterise the implementation of KM by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) having different characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A cluster analysis was used to detect the possible distinct traits of companies that have different approaches to KM. The unit of analysis is represented by small- and medium-sized knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) firms. Data were collected by means of an extensive survey of 223 companies in different European countries and sectors. Findings Three clusters were identified: Companies showing a relative “unconscious” attention to KM and implementing KM practices without particular awareness; Companies adopting a more conscious approach and using a significant number of KM practices; and companies with a marginal propensity towards KM. Research limitations/implications This study considers only KIBS, and future research should include other economic sectors. In addition, a convenience sample was used. Practical implications This paper improves awareness of managers of small companies concerning different KM approaches that can be adopted. It highlights that a conscious adoption of a KM strategy involves the introduction of a set of consistent practices. Originality/value The topic of KM approaches by small companies is still underdeveloped in the literature. Also, the paper proposes a multi-contextual investigation that makes it possible to highlight the transversality of KM approaches across different countries or sectors.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of two critical success factors for knowledge management (i.e. leadership and support by the management, motivational practices) on the innovativeness of knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) companies in the SMEs sector. A sample of 400 companies (KIBS SMEs) located in the Pomeranian District in Poland was selected. The questionnaire was designed to measure knowledge creation and knowledge sharing, team working, professional development and innovation performance. The findings indicate that companies with stronger leadership and support by the management and which employ motivational practices are more innovative than their competitors. This paper provides evidence of the significance of the critical success factors selected for KM in innovation processes. The research opens up the discussion on the relationship between KM critical success factors and company innovativeness. On the basis of the findings, managers in KIBS companies would do well to pay attention to managerial practices which foster the knowledge and professional development of employees, as these practices influence a company's innovativeness. For academics, this paper sketches out fields for further research in this area to be conducted in other countries and sectors.

Author's Habilitation thesis originally published by Gdańsk University of Technology Publishing House in 2018 under the title "Wiedza i jej przepływy w firmach oferujących wiedzochłonne usługi biznesowe".