¹Management Development Institute, Sukhrali, Gurgaon, India

Correspondence: Rajesh K. Pillania, Management Development Institute, Mehrauli Road, Sukhrali, Gurgaon – 122001, India. E-mail: r_pillania@yahoo.com

Received 14 April 2008; Accepted 19 June 2008.

Abstract

A well-developed and aligned knowledge management (KM) strategy and active top management participation are two of the key strategic issues in KM. The studies on KM strategy and the role of top management have mainly focused on big firms. The basic requirements and resources of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are different from big firms. Consequently, KM practices are different in SMEs as compared to big firms, and a thorough study of various aspects of KM for SMEs is needed. This research work is an attempt to study strategic issues in KM in SMEs in India, with particular reference to the automotive component sector. Customer-focused knowledge is the most common KM strategy among Indian automotive component manufacturers. Top management is more active and supportive in KM initiatives in international auto component manufacturers. Indian SMEs need to focus more on the strategic issues in KM for reaping the benefits of KM for sustainable competitiveness.