Assessing the Impact of Knowledge Management on the Efficiency of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the impact of knowledge management on small and medium scale enterprises’ efficiency in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed for this study. Population of the study was 418 registered SMEs in Uyo. Sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination, the figure was gotten as 196. Primary data was the main source of data. Instrument for data collection was a structured Likert scale questionnaire. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Simple linear regression statistical tool was the inferential statistics. Findings of the study revealed that knowledge acquisition and knowledge application have significant impact on SMEs efficiency. From the conclusion, it was recommended that SMEs managers should ensure the creation of knowledge within the firm so as to gain better performance, since knowledge creation is required to ensure the promotion of competitive advantage in their operations. Also, SMEs should come up with policies that will encourage knowledge management practices in other to improve their performance through their firms’ learning and training on the part of employees. Equally, appropriate technological infrastructure should be provided to facilitate knowledge application within the firm.