Managing Innovation through Knowledge Sharing In an Indonesian Coconut SME

Abstract

This research seeks to know and understand how knowledge sharing is developed to enhance innovation processes in an Indonesian coconut SME. This research conducted a case study approach in an innovative coconut SME, in which 3 competent people were interviewed in the company as a data collection method. The research has found that knowledge sharing is developed by two methods, direct and indirect. While the direct method focuses on the interaction of knowledge contributor and receiver, the indirect method uses the help of media as a means of knowledge sharing. The research results indicate that direct method has been a considerably more effective in achieving knowledge sharing, due to tacit knowledge usage. Meanwhile, the indirect method serves as leverage for the company to ensure that knowledge is available and accessible. Moreover, the role of knowledge brokers has given an additional understanding on how knowledge sharing is developed in an SME by broadening the knowledge throughout the company. This study has also explored that absorptive capacity becomes the main factor influencing the knowledge transfer success. Employees’ awareness to become self learners, motivation, reward system, and level of education has emerged as reasons that determine the level of knowledge acceptance.