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Determinants of Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing in SMEs

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Abstract

Web 2.0 technologies are increasingly being used within all knowledge management processes. This paper extends previous studies on the use of internet technologies and knowledge management by analyzing factors affecting knowledge sharing through Web 2.0 technologies within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing upon the technology-organization-environment framework, a model is developed to examine how distinct contextual factors influence the use of Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing. A data set of Spanish SMEs is used to test the conceptual model and hypotheses. Results show that knowledge sharing through Web 2.0 technologies emerges from internal organizational and technological resources rather than from external pressure.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management and Finance, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain

    Pedro Soto-Acosta & Simona Popa

  2. Department of Business Administration, University of Cantabria, Avda. de Los Castros S/N, 39005, Santander, Cantabria, Spain

    Daniel Perez-Gonzalez

Authors
  1. Pedro Soto-Acosta
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  2. Daniel Perez-Gonzalez
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  3. Simona Popa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pedro Soto-Acosta.

Appendix: Measures

Appendix: Measures

Variables

Description

Technology Integration

TI1

Extent to which the website is electronically integrated with back-end systems and databases (1–5)

IR2

Extent to which company databases are electronically integrated to that of business partners (clients, suppliers…) (1–5)

IT expertise (ITP)

Number of IT professionals (#)

Commitment-based HR practices

HR1

Employees’ interest are taken into account for decision-making (1–5)

HR2

Our company support employees willing to take further training (1–5)

HR3

Our company helps employees achieving work-life balance (1–5)

HR4

Selection processes are formalized and rigorous (1–5)

HR5

Our company has established career paths (1–5)

HR6

Promotion is based on objective criteria (seniority, objectives…) (1-5)

HR7

Performance appraisals are conducted on a regular basis (1–5)

HR8

Employees are informed about their performance appraisals (1–5)

Customer Power

Extent of pressure clients exert on purchasing conditions (1–5)

Supplier Power

Extent of pressure suppliers exert on purchasing conditions (1–5)

Web 2.0 use for Knowledge Sharing.

W2KS1

Extent to which the employees participate in organizational electronic discussion forums (1–5)

W2KS2

Extent to which Web 2.0 technologies are used for building collective knowledge (1–5)

W2KS3

Extent to which the employees upload information on organizational social networks or wikis (1–5)

  1. Note. (1–5): five-point Likert-type scales; (#): continuous variable

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Soto-Acosta, P., Perez-Gonzalez, D. & Popa, S. Determinants of Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing in SMEs. Serv Bus 8, 425–438 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-014-0247-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-014-0247-9

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