The Uniqueness of Knowledge Management in Small Companies: Managing Knowledge As an Employer Strategy for Lifelong Learning

This book is an exploration of the ways Swedish knowledge intensive companies manage their knowledge. The present study explores the relationship between the knowledge-enabling environment and the demand of training in 18 small private companies providing educational and consultancy services in Sweden. Knowledge is understood here both as the structure and the content of the mental schemas. It is embodied in individuals; it differs from information and data; and it can be tacit or explicit. Knowledge is a dynamic entity that is in a constant dialectic process with the reality it represents. It is through this dialectic process that people learn. This conceptualization of knowledge implies that when looking at organizational processes for managing knowledge, it is important not only look at formal organized activities for learning, but also informal learning activities that constitute the main source for tacit knowledge as well as the conditions in place for knowledge creation, what is here called the knowledge enabling environment. It is argued that through knowledge management companies are indeed implementing strategies for the promotion of lifelong learning.