THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON THE EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS: EVIDENCE FROM ZIMBABWE

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 2, 88 - 105, 01.06.2017

Edmore Tarambiwa Chengedzai Mafini

Öz

There is a general acceptance that Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) are a
primary source of value and have taken a center stage in the definition, operation
and performance of most business organisations. However, their use within the
manufacturing sector in developing countries remains inconsistent. This article
investigated the role of KMS in enhancing the export performance of firms
operating within the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe. The study used a
quantitative approach in which a survey questionnaire was distributed to 555
managers drawn from 185 manufacturing firms based in Harare. Data analyses
involved the use of descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations and regression
analysis. The results of the study showed that combined IT/social driven KMS
exerted the greatest impact on export performance. The availability of both
information technology centered and social centered KMS influences export
performance by improving the firm’s export strategy, export commitment, export
orientation, export growth, export sales, export profits and export market share.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Knowledge management systems, export performance, manufacturing firms, Zimbabwe