Towards learning in SMEs: an empirical study in Iran
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in national economies.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper shows that we are experiencing a new kind of economy in recent times known as the “knowledge economy” which considers knowledge as the main resource of organizations for innovation and competitiveness.
Findings
The paper finds that considering SMEs as the microelement of a society or macro economy, knowledge management is crucial to drive them towards becoming learning organizations and to achieve sustainable competitiveness.
Originality/value
The research results in this paper can help SME leaders to understand the knowledge management dimensions that will move their organizations towards becoming learning organizations, and is especially relevant for developing countries.
Keywords
Citation
Akhavan, P. and Jafari, M. (2008), "Towards learning in SMEs: an empirical study in Iran", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 17-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280810840067
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited