How inter and intra-organisational knowledge management processes influence SME internationalisation

Joseph, Agbo John (2023) How inter and intra-organisational knowledge management processes influence SME internationalisation. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

Inter and intra-organisational knowledge management processes (KMPs) are critical for enhancing sustainable competitive advantage for the internationalisation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Despite that, much scholarly attention has not been paid to how this affects SMEs as regards the challenges they face competing in international markets because of the gaps in skills, expertise, and finance. This study explores how inter and intra-organisational KMPs influence SME internationalisation with the experiences of selected SME operators and regulators in Nigeria. The study addressed four research objectives, which include a) how inter-organisational KMPs influence the internationalisation of SMEs, b) intra-organisational KMPs influence the internationalisation of SMEs, c) how SMEs can balance inter- and intra-organisational KMPs to enhance the internationalisation of SMEs, and d) the barriers to strengthening inter- and intra-organisational KMPs for the internationalisation of SMEs.

The researcher used purposeful and multiple case-study methods to provide empirical findings for this study. The population sample of sixteen (16) interviews was selected from the managerial level of the SME operators and regulators in Nigeria, and data were collected through telephone interviews and written statements. Consequently, the study finds that inter- and intra-organisational KMPs contribute to the competence of SMEs which encourages their internationalisation from Nigeria. Secondly, it unravelled that balancing inter- and intra-organisational KMPs to enhance the internationalisation of SMEs can be achieved through the facilitation of efficient knowledge absorption capacity as well as internal and external platforms for knowledge acquisition and transfer. Thirdly, it identified that the major barriers to strengthening inter- and intra-organisation are the lack of stakeholders' trust and risk as well as excessive bureaucratic processes exhibited by the SME regulators in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study extends our understanding of the factors and the barriers that influence the strengthening of inter- and intra-organisational KMPs on SMEs’ internationalisation in Nigeria. Moreover, this study makes essential contributions to knowledge, practice, and policies and further helps in articulating and understanding the updated version of the Uppsala model of internationalisation by showcasing its influence on inter- and intra-organisational KMPs in strengthening SMEs’ competitiveness and internationalisation from the environmental context of a country with an emerging economy and weak institutional framework.

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