The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management on Business Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Strategic knowledge management is recognized as a fundamental pillar of organizational success in today’s knowledge-driven era. This approach surpasses traditional information management by positioning knowledge as a strategic asset central to organizational decision-making. The primary objective of this study is to examine the effect of strategic knowledge management on business performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Ilam City. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, and methodologically, it adopts a descriptive-survey design. The statistical population of the study comprises ۳۲۰ managers and experts from active SMEs in Ilam City. Based on Morgan’s table and using a simple random sampling technique, a sample of ۱۷۵ participants was selected. Standardized questionnaires were employed for data collection. The strategic knowledge management variable was measured using the instrument developed by Shaik et al. (۲۰۲۴), while business performance was assessed using the questionnaire developed by Depino-Besada et al. (۲۰۲۵). Content validity of the instruments was confirmed through expert evaluation, and reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and LISREL software. The findings revealed that strategic knowledge management has a positive and statistically significant impact on the business performance of SMEs in Ilam. Moreover, it was found to have a significant positive influence on exports, innovation, and the expected growth of these enterprises.

Keywords:

business performance , Expected Growth , Exports , Innovation , Small and Medium Enterprises , Strategic Knowledge Management