Knowledge management in construction SMEs: Coping with the issues of structure, culture, commitment and motivation

There is an increasing acceptance that the economic and producing power of a modern organisation relies more on its intellectual and service capability than in its hard assets, such as land, plant and equipment. Effective knowledge management (KM) is seen as offering market leverage and competitive advantage to organisations. This paper addresses knowledge management issues in SMEs, with particular reference to the construction industry. It presents the major factors that influence effective knowledge management practices in SMEs and puts forward a framework for addressing KM issues in construction SMEs. Lessons to be learned for the construction industry are also presented. The paper highlights the importance of structure, culture, commitment and motivation as important variables in the effective management of organisational knowledge. It concludes that effective knowledge management in construction SMEs is not just about the supply side (data and communication systems) but also involves the demand side (business goals, strategy and people issues).