Abdul Majid

Impact of knowledge management enablers on knowledge sharing: Is trust a missing link in SMEs of emerging economies?

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of trust in the relationship between knowledge management enablers (i.e. top management support, organizational culture, knowledge management system quality, and openness in communication) on knowledge sharing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThe study was conducted through self-administered survey of employees of SMEs in Pakistan. Correlation, Baron and Kenny approach (causal steps approach) and PROCESS Macro (normal test theory) developed by Hayes were used to find out the direct and indirect effects of trust among knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe results have shown that trust of employees at SMEs was developed through knowledge management enablers which promote knowledge sharing. Therefore, the relationship between knowledge management enablers, trust, and knowledge sharing is positive. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe current study only considered the single aspect of knowledge management system, i.e. knowledge sharing; some other aspects of knowledge management system such as knowledge creation and knowledge utilization can be used for future studies at SMEs sector. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nThe mediation of trust between top management support, culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing provided that trustworthy relationships between the members of an organization would lead to enhance the knowledge sharing activities. In order to promote the knowledge sharing attitudes within the organization, the managers should consider knowledge management enablers (top management support, organizational culture, and openness in communication) along with trustworthy environment as an energetic force for the development of knowledge management systems. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThe study confirmed the mediating effect of trust between the relationships of top management support, organizational culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing, while there is a partial mediating role of trust between knowledge management system quality and knowledge sharing.

Strategic performance through inter-firm networks

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to examine and develop a strategic performance model for small and medium enterprises linking with inter-firm networks, strategic alignment and environmental dynamism. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nDrawing on the live experiences of 757 respondents, including managing directors/owners and CEOs of different SMEs, the authors proposed a theoretical model representing how firms could attain strategic performance through inter-firm networks with a mediating role of strategic alignment. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe current study demonstrated that SMEs with strong inter-firm networks have the ability to align business activities with strategies and get earlier strategic performance. Strategic performance looks skeptical to ever gain acceptance until strategic alignment is adopted by small and medium enterprises. The findings of this study indicated that environmental dynamism strengthens the relationship between strategic alignment and strategic performance. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThis research extended the understanding about the inter-firm networks, strategic alignment and environmental dynamism surrounding strategic performance. This study identified and empirically tested how the inter-firm networks impact on strategic performance through the mediating effect of strategic alignment.

A methodical study of the role of trust at various development stages of virtual organisations

Virtual organisation VO is an outcome of technological advancements and the introduction of structural flexibilities in organisations. It is a temporary combination of internally independent parties to exploit the emerging market opportunities. The need to demonstrate extra efficiency in its limited life-span, geographical distribution of parties, lack of face-to-face communication, and the absence of complete information about partners working at a distance call for establishing trust-based relationship in virtual organisations. Almost all the researchers agree upon the importance of trust for virtual organisation but its nature and role at various development stages of these organisations is still unexplored. Therefore, in this research we have conducted a methodical investigation to propose the models explaining nature and role of trust at various development stages of virtual organisations. The result of this research would help the members to formulate effective trust-based relationship that could ultimately increase the efficiency and performance of virtual organisations.

Organizational network and strategic business performance: Does organizational flexibility and entrepreneurial orientation really matter?

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to address the key issues, how organizational networks influence the strategic business performance (SBP) through the mediating role of organizational flexibility, and the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Contextualizing small and medium enterprises in developing countries, the authors have developed and tested a theoretical model of SBP to provide a framework for analyzing its major antecedents. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThis research used a quantitative approach with cross-sectional data. The authors used correlation, regression and Baron and Kenny Approach (Causal Step Approach) for analyzing the data collected from 737 CEOs/MDs/owners of different small and medium enterprises to test the theoretical model developed for this study. n n n n nFindings n n n n nFindings revealed that organizational flexibility mediates the relationship between organizational network and SBP. Furthermore, stronger EO strengthens the relationship between organizational flexibility and SBP. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThis study contributes in two ways: first, it provides empirical evidences that how to flourish the mechanism of SBP in SMEs. Second, this work contributes to understand the effects of organizational networks, flexibility and EO on SBP.

Survey of medicinal plants and patterns of knowledge in district Swabi/ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

To investigate and document the indigenous knowledge on the medicinal flora of the native communities in Swabi district, Pakistan. A field survey was carried out and data was based on semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and questionnaire from 8 villages. 180 local individual of local communities were interviewed and collected data were analyzed by quantitative and descriptive index. During the survey, 81 species belonging to 45 families were reported. Solanaceae was the leading family with 7 species. Herb (48%) was the dominant plant habit and leaf (24%) was the most preferred used part for indigenous medicine. Moreover, decoction (28.93%) was the most prestigious method. According to the result, the highest use value was documented for Jaundice ailment (1.00-0.81). Besides, 11 plants added to the endangered species list. Local experts of Swabi district practice a huge variety of ethnomedicinal plants in treating a wide spectrum of disorders, especially those plants used to cure jaundice. Our finding suggest that the pharmacological potential across some of these plants has been therapeutically validated however still need to explore the pharmacological properties of other species. Hence, the present investigation, aside from being a source of new insight for ethnobotanical and pharmacological cure of many disorders, might contribute to upgrade the sustainability, conservation, and management of medicinal flora in the Bachai Sikandari, district Swabi.

Boundary integration and innovative work behavior among nursing staff

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of boundary integration (BI) on innovative work behavior (IWB) of nursing staff. Furthermore, in order to understand the constructive role of BI, this study also examines the mediating role of work-to-family enrichment (WFE) and moderating role of co-worker and supervisor support. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nData were collected from 786 nurses and 144 doctors (nurse supervisors) through self-administered questionnaires from public sector hospitals in Pakistan. Descriptive statistics, correlation, Baron and Kenny approach (Causal steps approach), PROCESS Macro (Normal Test Theory) developed by Hayes and hierarchical regression approaches were used to analyze the collected data that provide several interesting results for the formulated hypotheses. n n n n nFindings n n n n nResults indicated that BI among nursing staff is positively related to doctors’ rating of innovative behaviors. Moreover, WFE mediates the relationship of BI and IWB. Furthermore, the results also confirmed that the relationship between BI and IWB is stronger among those nurses who frequently received support from co-workers and supervisors. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nEmployees’ involvement in innovative work is of crucial importance for organization’s strength, especially in health care sector. Although researchers have identified various antecedents of nurses’ IWB, however, it is still unclear how BI influences IWB. Moreover, this study focuses on another important element of workplace support and argues that nurses who can successfully manage work and family matters through the integration of boundaries have greater opportunities to achieve enrichment and respond more effectively to demonstrate IWB.

Entrepreneurial knowledge and start-up behavior in a turbulent environment

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to refine the relationship between environmental turbulence and start-up behavior by considering entrepreneurial-related antecedents (alertness to business ideas, entrepreneurial opportunities, and intention toward entrepreneurship) and moderating roles of entrepreneurial knowledge. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThe study was conducted through a self-administered survey of owner/managers of SMEs in Pakistan. Correlation, moderated hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling approach were used for the analysis. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe results revealed that environmental turbulence positively affects the alertness to business ideas and entrepreneurial opportunities which, in turn, affect intention toward entrepreneurship. The results also suggested that entrepreneurial knowledge significantly moderates the relationship between intention toward entrepreneurship and start-up behavior. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe changes in the market and technologies which shape the entrepreneurial behavior toward start-up activities should be longitudinally observed. The research data came from the owner/managers of SMEs industries; therefore, the findings may not be generalized to other sectors due to industry-specific difference. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nThe positive impact of environmental turbulence suggests that turbulence is a presentiment signal, calling upon the entrepreneurs to collect meaningful information as well as identify new opportunities and adjust their capabilities for any challenges and changes ahead. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThe study confirmed the positive impact of environmental turbulence toward the creation of new ventures in the context of developing economies as well as the moderating role of entrepreneurial knowledge on the relationship between intention toward entrepreneurship and start-up behavior in small and medium enterprises.

Nexus of knowledge-management enablers, trust and knowledge-sharing in research universities

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the knowledge sharing behavior of faculty members of research universities in emerging economies after considering the predicting role of knowledge management enablers and mediating role of trust. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThe study was conducted through self-administered survey of faculty members of research universities in Pakistan. Correlation, causal steps approach and the normal test theory approach were used to find out the role of trust among knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe results showed that trust of faculty members at research universities was developed through knowledge management enablers which promote knowledge sharing. Therefore, the association between knowledge management enablers, trust and knowledge sharing is positive. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe current study investigates the relationships of knowledge management enablers on knowledge sharing; future studies should be conducted as an extension of this work to find out the outcomes of this relationship such as performance of faculty members as well as effectiveness and competitive advantages of knowledge sharing. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nMediating role of trust on knowledge enablers and knowledge sharing provided that university administration and policy makers should create culture which support trust worthy relationships among faculty members where knowledge sharing could flourish. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThe study confirmed the mediating effect of trust between the relationships of knowledge self-efficacy, reciprocal benefit, face to face interactive communication and knowledge sharing, while there is a partial mediating role of trust between knowledge management system infrastructure and knowledge sharing.

Relationship between determinants of organisational structure and knowledge sharing

The primary objective of current research is to analyse the determinants of organisational structure (formalisation, centralisation and integration) and its effects on knowledge sharing. In the era of contemporary management, organisations have accepted the significance of knowledge sharing and have realised the fact that knowledge sharing plays a vital role in the survival of organisations in the long term. Correlation and regression techniques were used for the analysis of data. The findings proved that formalisation and centralisation were negatively integrated and were positively associated with knowledge sharing. This study focused on the determinants of organisational structure towards knowledge sharing and should help to transform public sector institutes from traditional structure to knowledge-based structure using a lower degree of prescribed rules. The current study is only performed on one element of the knowledge management, thus the other elements of knowledge management may significantly exceed the benefits and directions for the development of public sector institutes.

Enterprise development revisited: does coordination, relational skill and partner knowledge really matter?

The objective of the current research is to find out the relationship of enterprise development with coordination, relational skill and partner knowledge. To examine this relationship we used correlation and hierarchal regression techniques and structural equation modelling using AMOS. The sample size consists of 246 respondents from small and medium enterprises. Results revealed that strong coordination and commitment for well-built patch up with partners and other alliance play an important role in up-gradation of existing potentials and capacities of the enterprise. Relational skills offer a passage of information to get knowledge about competitors, markets, distributors or customers, and enhance the developmental process. Properly constituted relationships with business alliance enable an enterprise to develop itself with entire satisfaction. The finding of this study suggests that partner knowledge provides competitiveness and helps in exploring opportunities. Furthermore, partner knowledge can be used as a strategic weapon; it stabilises a firms position where necessary within an industry.