Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Social web knowledge sharing and innovation performance in knowledge-intensive manufacturing SMEs

  • Published:
The Journal of Technology Transfer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper develops an integrative research model to assess the effect of different factors on social web knowledge sharing and its effect on innovation performance in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, this study analyzes whether social web knowledge sharing may be a mediator in the relationship between human resource (HR) practices and innovation performance. The proposed research model and its associated hypotheses were tested by using partial least squares structural equation modeling on a dataset of manufacturing SMEs. This study contributes to research seeking to understand the factors affecting social web knowledge sharing by demonstrating that technological and organizational factors have greater impact than environmental factors on social web knowledge sharing. It also contributes to research by exploring the indirect effects of the social influence of HR practices on organizational innovation performance by offering evidence on the mediating effect of social web knowledge sharing in the relationship between HR practices and organizational innovation performance in manufacturing SMEs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alavi, M., & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Review: Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 25(1), 107–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, N. R., De Dreu, C., & Nijstad, B. A. (2004). The routinization of innovation research: A constructively critical review of the state-of-the-science. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 25(2), 147–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bagozzi, R. P., Yi, Y., & Phillips, L. W. (1991). Assessing construct validity in organizational research. Administrative Science Quarterly, 36(3), 421–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barclay, D., Higgins, C., & Thompson, R. (1995). The partial least squares (PLS) approach to causal modeling: Personal computer adoption and use as an illustration. Technology Studies, 2(2), 285–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bharadwaj, A. S. (2000). A resource-based perspective on information technology capability and firm performance: An empirical investigation. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 169–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bordonaba-Juste, V., Lucia-Palacios, L., & Polo-Redondo, Y. (2012). Antecedents and consequences of e-business use for European retailers. Internet Research, 22(5), 532–550.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. S., & Duguid, P. (2000). Balancing act: How to capture knowledge without killing it. Harvard Business Review, 78(3), 73–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capon, N., Farley, J. U., Hulbert, J., & Lehmann, D. R. (1992). Profiles of product innovators among large US manufacturers. Management Science, 38(2), 157–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cegarra-Navarro, J.-G., Soto-Acosta, P., & Wensley, A. K. P. (2016). Structured knowledge processes and firm performance: The role of organizational agility. Journal of Business Research, 69(5), 1544–1549.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, F. T. S., Chong, A. Y.-L., & Zhou, L. (2012). An empirical investigation of factors affecting e-collaboration diffusion in SMEs. International Journal of Production Economics, 138(2), 329–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chau, P. Y. K., & Tam, K. Y. (1997). Factors affecting the adoption of open systems: An exploratory study. MIS Quarterly, 21(1), 1–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chin, W. W. (1998). The partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling. In G. A. Marcoulides (Ed.), Modern methods for business research (pp. 295–336). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publisher.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chin, W. W., Marcolin, B. L., & Newsted, P. R. (2003). A partial least squares latent variable modelling approach for measuring interaction effects: Results from a Monte Carlo simulation study and an electronic mail emotion/adoption study. Information Systems Research, 14(2), 189–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choy, C. S., Yew, W. K., & Lin, B. (2006). Criteria for measuring KM performance outcomes in organisations. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 106(7), 917–936.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, C. J., & Smith, K. G. (2006). Knowledge exchange and combination: The role of human resource practices in the performance of high-technology firms. Academy of Management Journal, 49(3), 544–560.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colomo-Palacios, R., Casado-Lumbreras, C., Soto-Acosta, P., & García-Crespo, Á. (2011). Using the affect grid to measure emotions in software requirements engineering. Journal of Universal Computer Science, 17(9), 1281–1298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Colomo-Palacios, R., Casado-Lumbreras, C., Soto-Acosta, P., & García-Crespo, Á. (2013). Decisions in software development projects management. An exploratory study. Behaviour & Information Technology, 32(11), 1077–1085.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colomo-Palacios, R., Casado-Lumbreras, C., Soto-Acosta, P., García-Peñalvo, F. J., & Tovar, E. (2014). Project managers in global software development teams: A study of the effects on productivity and performance. Software Quality Journal, 22(1), 3–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darroch, J. (2003). Developing a measure of knowledge management behaviors and practices. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(5), 41–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darroch, J. (2005). Knowledge management, innovation and firm performance. Journal of Knowledge Management, 9(3), 101–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Aguila-Obra, A. R., & Padilla-Melendez, A. (2008). Organizational factors affecting Internet technology adoption. Internet Research, 16(1), 94–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Giudice, M., & Della Peruta, M. R. (2016). The impact of IT-based knowledge management systems on internal venturing and innovation: A structural equation modeling approach to corporate performance. Journal of Knowledge Management, 20(3), 484–498.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Giudice, M., Della Peruta, M. R., & Maggioni, V. (2013). Collective knowledge and organizational routines within academic communities of practice: An empirical research on science-entrepreneurs. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 4(3), 260–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Giudice, M., Della Peruta, M. R., & Maggioni, V. (2015). A model for the diffusion of knowledge sharing technologies inside private transport companies. Journal of Knowledge Management, 19(3), 611–625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Giudice, M., & Maggioni, V. (2014). Managerial practices and operative directions of knowledge management within inter-firm networks: A global view. Journal of Knowledge Management, 18(5), 841–846.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delery, J. E., & Doty, D. H. (1996). Modes of theorizing in strategic human resource management: Test of universalistic contingency, and configurational performance predictions. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 802–835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Della Peruta, M. R., Del Giudice, M., Lombardi, R., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2016). Open innovation, product development, and inter-company relationships within regional knowledge clusters. Journal of the Knowledge Economy,. doi:10.1007/s13132-016-0356-x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devaraj, S., & Kholi, R. (2003). Performance impacts of information technology: Is actual usage the missing link? Management Science, 49(3), 273–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenberger, R., Armeli, S., Rexwinkel, B., Lynch, P. D., & Roades, L. (2001). Reciprocation of perceived organizational support. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(1), 42–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fornell, C., & Larcker, F. D. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fox, S. (2000). Communities of practice, foucault and actor network theory. Journal of Management Studies, 37(6), 853–867.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friesike, S., Widenmayer, B., Gassmann, O., & Schildhauer, T. (2015). Opening science: Towards an agenda of open science in academia and industry. Journal of Technology Transfer, 40(4), 581–601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, H. K. (2012). Performance pressure as a doble-edged sword: Enhancing team motivation but undermining the use of team knowledge. Administrative Science Quarterly, 57(1), 1–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, A., & Hauser, J. R. (1996). Integrating R&D and marketing: A review and analysis of the literature. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 13(3), 191–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu, V. C., Cao, Q., & Duan, W. (2012). Unified modeling language (UML) IT adoption—A holistic model of organizational capabilities perspective. Decision Support Systems, 54(1), 257–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J. F., Anderson, R. E., Tatham, R. L., & Black, W. C. (1998). Multivariate data analysis (5th ed.). London: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanlon, S. C., & Taylor, R. R. (1991). An examination of changes in work group communication behaviors following installation of a gain sharing plan. Group and Organization Studies, 16, 238–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernández-López, A., Colomo-Palacios, R., García-Crespo, Á., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2010). Trust building process for global software development teams: A review from the Literature. International Journal of Knowledge Society Research, 1(1), 65–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huy, L. V., Rowe, F., Truex, D., & Huynh, M. Q. (2012). An empirical study of determinants of e-commerce adoption in SMEs in Vietnam an economy in transition. Journal of Global Information Management, 20(3), 23–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jardim-Goncalves, R., Popplewell, K., & Grilo, A. (2012). Sustainable interoperability: The future of Internet based industrial enterprises. Computers in Industry, 63(8), 731–738.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jayasingam, S., Ansari, M. A., Ramayah, T., & Jantan, M. (2013). Knowledge management practices and performance: Are they truly linked? Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 11(3), 255–264.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joo, J., & Normatov, I. (2013). Determinants of collective intelligence quality: Comparison between Wiki and Q&A services in English and Korean users. Service Business, 7(4), 687–711.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuan, K. Y., & Chau, Y. K. (2001). A perception model for EDI adoption in small businesses using a technology-organization-environment framework. Information & Management, 38(1), 507–521.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lim, S., Trimi, S., & Lee, H. (2010). Web 2.0 service adoption and entrepreneurial orientation. Service Business, 4(3–4), 197–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Cabrales, A., Pérez-Luño, A., & Cabrera, R. V. (2009). Knowledge as a mediator between HRM practices and innovative activity. Human Resource Management, 48(4), 485–503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • López-Nicolás, C., & Meroño-Cerdán, A. L. (2011). Strategic knowledge management, innovation and performance. International Journal of Information Management, 31(6), 502–509.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Nicolas, C., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2010). Analyzing ICT adoption and use effects on knowledge creation: An empirical investigation in SMEs. International Journal of Information Management, 30(6), 521–528.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lucio-Nieto, T., Colomo-Palacios, R., Soto-Acosta, P., Popa, S., & Amescua-Seco, A. (2012). Implementing an IT service information management framework: The case of COTEMAR. International Journal of Information Management, 32(6), 589–594.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacKinnon, D. P., Warsi, G., & Dwyer, J. H. (1995). A simulation study of mediated effect measures. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 30(1), 41–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meroño-Cerdan, A. L., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2005). Examining e-business impact on firm performance through website analysis. International Journal of Electronic Business, 3(6), 583–598.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meroño-Cerdan, A. L., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2007). External web content and its influence on organizational performance. European Journal of Information Systems, 16(1), 66–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meroño-Cerdan, A. L., Soto-Acosta, P., & López-Nicolás, C. (2008a). Analyzing collaborative technologies’ effect on performance through intranet use orientations. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 21(1), 39–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meroño-Cerdan, A., Soto-Acosta, P., & López-Nicolás, C. (2008b). How do collaborative technologies affect innovation in SMEs? International Journal of e-Collaboration, 4(4), 33–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nahapiet, J., & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational advantage. Academy of Management Review, 23, 242–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nonaka, I. (1994). A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation. OrganizationScience, 5(1), 14–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C. (1967). Psychometric Theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (2005). Oslo Manual. Guidelines for collecting and interpreting innovation data. doi:10.1787/9789264013100-en.

  • Palacios-Marqués, D., Merigó, J. M., & Soto-Acosta, P. (2015a). Online social networks as an enabler of innovation in organizations. Management Decision, 53(9), 1906–1920.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palacios-Marqués, D., Soto-Acosta, P., & Merigó, J. M. (2015b). Analyzing the effects of technological, organizational and competition factors on Web knowledge exchange in SMEs. Telematics and Informatics, 32(1), 23–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan, Z. (2012). Opinions and networks: How do they effect each other. Computational Economics, 39(2), 157–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, R., & Kim, J. (2013). Individual employees’ responses to group incentives: The moderating role of innovation. Journal of Business Psychology, 28(2), 175–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-López, S., & Alegre, J. (2012). Information technology competency, knowledge processes and firm performance. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 112(4), 644–662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, S. J., & Luthans, F. (2006). The impact of financial and nonfinancial incentives on business-unit outcomes over time. Journal of Applied Psychology, 91(1), 156–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Podsakoff, P. M., & Organ, D. W. (1986). Self-reports in organizational research: Problems and prospects. Journal of Management, 12(4), 531–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Popa, S., Soto-Acosta, P., & Loukis, E. (2016). Analyzing the complementarity of web infrastructure and eInnovation for business value generation. Program: Electronic Library and Information Systems, 50(1), 118–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenzweig, S. (2016). The effects of diversified technology and country knowledge on the impact of technological innovation. Journal of Technology Transfer,. doi:10.1007/s10961-016-9492-5.

    Google Scholar 

  • San Martín, S., López-Catalán, B., & Ramón-Jerónimo, M. A. (2012). Factors determining firms’ perceived performance of mobile commerce. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 112(6), 946–963.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigala, M., & Chalkiti, K. (2014). Investigating the exploitation of Web 2.0 for knowledge management in the Greek tourism industry: An utilisation-importance analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 30(1), 800–812.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snieska, V., & Valodkiene, G. (2015). Impact of innovations upon economic growth during recession. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 21(4), 626–642.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Casado-Lumbreras, C., & Cabezas-Isla, F. (2010a). Shaping human capital in software development teams: The case of mentoring enabled by semantics. IET Software, 4(6), 445–452.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Colomo-Palacios, R., & Popa, S. (2014a). Web knowledge sharing and its effect on innovation: An empirical investigation in SMEs. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 12(1), 103–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Martinez-Conesa, I., & Colomo-Palacios, R. (2010b). An empirical analysis of the relationship between IT training sources and IT value. Information Systems Management, 27(3), 274–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., & Meroño-Cerdan, A. (2006). An analysis and comparison of web development between local governments and SMEs in Spain. International Journal of Electronic Business, 4(2), 191–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., & Meroño-Cerdan, A. (2008). Analyzing e-Business value creation from a resource-based perspective. International Journal of Information Management, 28(1), 49–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Perez-Gonzalez, D., & Popa, S. (2014b). Determinants of Web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing in SMEs. Service Business, 8(3), 425–438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Placer-Maruri, E., & Perez-Gonzalez, D. (2016). A case analysis of a product lifecycle information management framework for SMEs. International Journal of Information Management, 36(2), 240–244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soto-Acosta, P., Popa, S., & Palacios-Marqués, D. (2015). E-business, organizational innovation and firm performance in manufacturing SMEs: An empirical study in Spain. Technological and Economic Development of Economy,. doi:10.3846/20294913.2015.1074126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Templeton, G. F., Lewis, B. R., & Snyder, C. A. (2002). Development of a measure for the organizational learning construct. Journal of Management Information Systems, 19(2), 175–218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenenhaus, M., Esposito, V., Chatelin, Y., & Lauro, C. (2008). PLS path modelling. Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, 48, 159–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thong, J. Y. L. (1999). An integrated model of information systems adoption in small businesses. Journal of Management Information Systems, 15(4), 187–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiwana, A. (2003). The knowledge management toolkit: Orchestrating IT, strategy and knowledge platform. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The process of technological innovation. Lexington. MA: Lexington Books, Lexington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsui, A. S., Pearce, J. L., & Porter, L. W. (1997). Alternative approaches to the employee-organization relationship: Does investment in employees pay off? Academy of Management Journal, 40, 1089–1121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valkokari, K., Paasi, J., & Rantala, T. (2012). Managing Knowledge within networked Innovation. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 10(1), 27–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vila, L. E., Cabrer, B., & Pavía, J. M. (2015). On the relationship between knowledge creation and economic performance. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 21(4), 539–556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., & Ahmed, P. (2009). The moderating effect of the business strategic orientation on e-commerce adoption: Evidence from UK family run SMEs. Journal of Strategic Information System, 18(1), 16–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y. M., Wang, Y. S., & Yang, Y. F. (2010). Understanding the determinants of RFID adoption in the manufacturing industry. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77, 803–815.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wayne, S. J., Shore, L. M., & Liden, R. C. (1997). Perceived organizational support and leader-member exchange: A social exchange perspective. Academy of Management Journal, 40, 82–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xin, J. Y., Ramayah, T., Soto-Acosta, P., Popa, S., & Ping, T. A. (2014). Analyzing the use of the Web 2.0 for brand awareness and competitive advantage: An empirical study in the Malaysian hospitability industry. Information Systems Management, 31(2), 96–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, S., Zhu, K., & Gibbs, J. (2004). Global technology, local adoption: A cross-country investigation of Internet adoption by companies in the United States and China. Electronic Markets, 14(1), 13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Youndt, M. A., Snell, S. A., Dean, J. W., Jr., & Lepak, D. P. (1996). Human resource management, manufacturing strategy and firm performance. Academy of Management Journal, 39(4), 836–866.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K., & Kraemer, K. (2005). Post-adoption variations in usage and value of e-business by organizations: Cross-country evidence from the retail industry. Information Systems Research, 16(1), 61–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K., Kraemer, K., & Xu, S. (2003). Electronic business adoption by European firms: A cross-country assessment of the facilitators and inhibitors. European Journal of Information Systems, 12(4), 251–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K., Kraemer, K. L., & Xu, S. (2006). The process of innovation assimilation by firms in different countries: A technology diffusion perspective on e-business. Management Science, 52(10), 1557–1576.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K., Kraemer, K. L., Xu, S., & Dedrick, J. (2004). Information technology payoff in e-business environments: An international perspective on value creation of e-business in the financial services industry. Journal of Management Information Systems, 21(1), 17–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Y., Li, Y., Wang, W., & Chen, J. (2010). What leads to the post-implementation success of erp? An empirical study of the Chinese retail industry. International Journal of Information Management, 30(3), 265–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pedro Soto-Acosta.

Appendix: measures

Appendix: measures

Information systems integration

 Extent to which internal enterprise information systems and databases are integrated (1–5)

 Extent to which enterprise information systems and databases are integrated to that of business partners (clients, suppliers…) (1–5)

Commitment-based HR practices

 Our selection system focuses on the potential of the candidate to learn and grow (1–5)

 Internal candidates are considered over external candidates for job openings (1–5)

 Selection processes are formalized and rigorous (1–5)

 Our company provides career path opportunities (1–5)

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

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

 Performance appraisals are used to plan skill development and training (1–5)

 Job rotation is used to expand the skills of employees and team building (1–5)

Horizontal competition

 Threat of existing rivals (1–5)

 Threat of substitute products (1–5)

 Threat of new entrants (1–5)

Social web knowledge sharing

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

 Extent to which social web technologies are used for building collective knowledge (1–5)

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

Innovation performance

 The number of new or improved products (good or service) launched to the market over the last 3 years is above the average of your industry (1–5)

 The number of new or improved processes over the last 3 years is above the average of your industry (1–5)

 The number of new or improved management practices over the last 3 years is above the average of your industry (1–5)

 The number of new or improved marketing methods over the last three years is above the average of your industry (1–5)

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

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Soto-Acosta, P., Popa, S. & Palacios-Marqués, D. Social web knowledge sharing and innovation performance in knowledge-intensive manufacturing SMEs. J Technol Transf 42, 425–440 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9498-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-016-9498-z

Keywords

JEL Classification

Navigation