Md Imtiaz Mostafiz, Mathew Hughes, Boyka Simeonova and Murali Sambasivan
Knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial firms succeed when they can better marshal their knowledge resources into productive advantages, necessitating entrepreneurial orientation (EO…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial firms succeed when they can better marshal their knowledge resources into productive advantages, necessitating entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and knowledge management (KM) processes of knowledge acquisition, application, conversion and protection. However, configurations of EO and KM processes are unaccounted for in extant theory, and the differences between the operating context of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial firms are unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the configurational combination of EO and KM processes in two different contexts as native and immigrant entrepreneurial firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the knowledge-based theory, the authors apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and necessity analysis of QCA (NCA) to data from Malaysian native (N = 185) and immigrant (N = 146) service-oriented entrepreneurial firms.
Findings
The results demonstrate that immigrant entrepreneurial firms’ performance relies on knowledge processes of knowledge acquisition and application to ensure intelligent effectuation of EO; but for native entrepreneurial firms, the critical knowledge processes for performance success are knowledge conversion and protection. The NCA suggests that EO is critical for both firms; however, conjunctional causations differ based on KM processes.
Originality/value
This study enriches the emerging knowledge-based theory of the entrepreneurial-oriented firm by advancing the theory and conversation by revealing how EO, KM processes and context link in which the profile of the EO–performance relationship is configurationally dependent. The study advances the knowledge-based theory of entrepreneurially-oriented firms to account for entrepreneurship in context.
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Cristina I. Fernandes, Mathew (Mat) Hughes, Qilin Hu, Abderaouf Bouguerra and Boyka Simeonova
Sharon Wagg and Boyka Simeonova
This paper explores how policy-level stakeholders tackle digital inclusion in the context of UK rural communities.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores how policy-level stakeholders tackle digital inclusion in the context of UK rural communities.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders that operate nationally in government departments, government funded organisations and third sector organisations that provided a policy-level perspective on digital inclusion initiative provision across England, Scotland and Wales. Activity theory (AT) was utilised as a theoretical framework, where a variety of factors–tools, rules, community, division of labour and contradictions–were found to have an influence on digital inclusion initiative provision.
Findings
Digital inclusion initiative provision in UK rural communities is organised through the multi-stakeholder involvement of national organisations, and collaboration with intermediary organisations to provide digital skills training and support. The process is fraught with difficulties and contradictions, limited knowledge sharing; reduced or poor-quality connectivity; lack of funding; lack of local resources; assumptions that organisations will indeed collaborate and assumptions that intermediary organisations have staff with the necessary skills and confidence to provide digital skills training and support within the rural context.
Research limitations/implications
This study highlights the benefit of using AT as a lens to develop a nuanced understanding of how policy-level stakeholders tackle digital inclusion.
Practical implications
This study can inform policy decisions on digital inclusion initiative provision suitable for rural communities.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper provides new insights into the understanding of how policy-level stakeholders tackle digital inclusion and the provision of digital inclusion initiatives; it builds on the use of AT to help unpick the complexity of digital inclusion initiative provision as a phenomenon; it reveals contradictions in relation to trust, and the need for knowledge sharing mechanisms to span and align different interpretations of digital inclusion across the policy-level; and reveals an extension of AT demonstrated through the “granularity of the subject” which enables the multi-actor involvement of the stakeholders involved in digital inclusion at policy-level to emerge.
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Cathrine Filstad, Boyka Simeonova and Max Visser
The purpose of this study is to investigate the crossing of knowledge and power boundaries within a bureaucratic organization by using enterprise social media (ESM). (Carlile’s…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the crossing of knowledge and power boundaries within a bureaucratic organization by using enterprise social media (ESM). (Carlile’s 2002) boundary crossing framework is used to guide this research.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and observations in a large Norwegian public sector organization.
Findings
The authors find that investigating crossing knowledge and power boundaries by using ESM is problematic at syntactic, semantic and pragmatic levels. ESM is used predominantly for sharing, storing and retrieving explicit knowledge, which is a display of crossing the information-processing boundary. Hence, the possibilities of shifts in formal power positions where all employees can participate on equal terms is not achieved. On the contrary, as shared meaning on how to use EMS, taking the perspective of other on how to share knowledge and thus creating new knowledge practices in EMS by overcoming these knowledge barriers is not evident. Therefore, examples of crossing the semantic and pragmatic knowledge boundaries are rarely found.
Research limitations/implications
The framework could be applied to a variety of contexts to further explore the role of ESM in learning and knowledge sharing and its ability to cross power and knowledge boundaries.
Originality/value
This paper addresses a gap in the literature around discussions of power, trust, boundary crossing and the use of ESM for knowledge sharing and learning.
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Samuel Kelechukwu Ibenne, Boyka Simeonova, Janet Harrison and Mark Hepworth
The purpose of this paper is to review key models of people’s information behaviour (IB) exploring the integration of the concepts of information literacy (IL) and knowledge in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review key models of people’s information behaviour (IB) exploring the integration of the concepts of information literacy (IL) and knowledge in their designs. Scholarly perspectives portray IL as providing individuals with capacity for good information practices that result in generating new knowledge. It is surprising that this important perspective is not reflected in the reviewed IB models. This paper contributes to the literature base by proposing a new model highlighting IL and knowledge as important concepts within the IB discourse.
Design/methodology/approach
A discourse of the integration of IL and knowledge, which are integral factors, associated with IB, in selected IB models.
Findings
Identifying a need for information and understanding its context is an IL attribute. IL underpins IB in providing awareness of information sources; how to search and use information appropriately for solving information needs and leveraging generated new knowledge. The generation of new knowledge results from using information, in a process that combines with sense-making and adaption. Correspondingly, the knowledge that develops, increases capability for sense-making and adaptation of information to suit various contexts of need, iteratively.
Originality/value
A new model of IB; the causative and outcome factors of information behaviour (COFIB) is proposed. COFIB stresses that IL and knowledge are prominent factors within the general framework of people’s IB. The model emphasises knowledge generation as the outcome of IB, applied in solving problems within specific contexts.
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Huy-Cuong Vo-Thai and My-Linh Tran
In the dynamic landscape of 2023, global challenges are amplified by escalating conflicts and the COVID-19 aftermath. Developing nations like Vietnam face a critical juncture…
Abstract
Purpose
In the dynamic landscape of 2023, global challenges are amplified by escalating conflicts and the COVID-19 aftermath. Developing nations like Vietnam face a critical juncture, requiring diversified economies for enhanced livelihoods and poverty reduction. However, this growth necessitates increased energy consumption, potentially escalating carbon emissions. Green innovation (GI) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering products and services designed for a minimal carbon footprint. Beyond socio-economic advancement, GI aligns with sustainable development goals. This study aims to examine the influence of knowledge management (KM) and digitalization (DG) on GI, particularly in sustainable competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
Using structural equation modeling and drawing upon a survey administered to 301 Vietnamese enterprises.
Findings
The findings illuminate diverse underpinnings between green product and process innovation, unravel the intricate relationship between KM, DG and GI, and provide crucial insights for firms seeking sustainable competitive edges.
Originality/value
This multidimensional approach significantly enriches the understanding of these pivotal elements in contemporary business landscapes.