KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS IN SMALL BUSINESS SECTOR AUTOMOTIVE TRADE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

This exploratory study examines the characteristics of information technology (IT) as a means to support and provide inputs and structures for knowledge management in small businesses. It focuses on fifteen companies in the automobile spare parts import/export sector to identify, describe, and confirm the existence and functionality of knowledge management within the companies. Analysis of the responses identifies the presence of knowledge management in companies and the approach to information technology used by the companies and highlights the possible alignment, or lack thereof, of knowledge management with information technology management. The study shows that knowledge collection is not always passive and spontaneous but a process based on flows that can be regulated with the organizational structures and systems as well as the individual competencies of both company and third-party employees