Barriers of sharing tacit knowledge: A case of Gauteng agricultural SMMEs, South Africa

Lawrance Seseni, Charles Mbohwa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study looks at the barriers that affect the transferring of tacit knowledge withing the organization. This study adopted a quantitative approach where 47 agricultural SMMEs were given questionnaire to fill out. In this paper, it was discussed that tacit knoledge is not easily transferred to other people because it resides within the individual who has it. It was discovered that organizations fail to transfer their knowledge due to the lack of management involvement and greater distance. However, participants indicated that they understand that knowledge management is a responsibility of everyone in the organization. This study recommends that management must be highly involved in what employees are doing and they must give their subordinates sufficient time to share their knowledge and receive it. Further research will look at the replication of this study in other sectors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management in Kuala Lumpur, IEOM 2016
PublisherIEOM Society
Pages1173-1179
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9780985549749, 9780985549756
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventIEOM Detroit Conference, IEOM 2016 - Southfield, United States
Duration: 23 Sept 201625 Sept 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
ISSN (Electronic)2169-8767

Conference

ConferenceIEOM Detroit Conference, IEOM 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySouthfield
Period23/09/1625/09/16

Keywords

  • Knowledge management
  • SMMEs
  • Tacit knowledge

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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