Success Factors in Knowledge Management (KM) capability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have less been systematically investigated. Existing studies have derived their CSFs from large companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of small businesses. In this article, existing studies on Knowledge Management capability success factors were reviewed and their limitations were identified. By integrating insights drawn from these studies, the authors proposed a set of 11 CSFs which is believed to be more suitable for SMEs. An empirical assessment was conducted to evaluate the extent of success of proposed propositions using experts’ opinions. The overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed success factors. The set of success factors can act as a list of items for SMEs to address when adopting KM. However it can provide a common language for managers to discuss and study the factors crucial for the success of KM in SMEs.
The results show that adequate and suitable leadership and management supports, use of Information Technology, bussiness strategies, motivation, resource availability, personnel education, human resource management, performance assessment measures, infrastructures and Knowledge Management processes can increase Knowledge Management capability in small firms. Organization culture, Leadership and management and leader supports and Information Technology were the most important factors
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