FOM, Daniel Pam
Department of Business Administration
Nasarawa State University Keffi
danielfom086@gmail.com
PWOL, Davou Yakubu
Department of Business Administration
Nasarawa State University Keffi
jspwoldavou@gmail.com
OGAJI, Salim Muhammad
Department of Business Administration
Federal University of Kashere, Gombe
ibnogaji@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Decline in the aggregate level of SMEs performance despite supports from different stakeholders
necessitated this study which examined effect of knowledge application and knowledge sharing on SMEs
performance. The study adopted a survey research design. A structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire
was used to gather primary data from a sample of 400 SMEs operating in North Central Nigeria. Multiple
regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The study found that knowledge application has positive
and insignificant effect on performance while knowledge sharing has a negative and significant influence
on performance. The study recommends that SMEs should ensure a synergy among the people, process and
technology elements responsible for the deployment of knowledge in their firms. This could be achieved
through simplifying the process such that it allows seamless human and technological navigation. Similarly,
SMEs should make deliberate efforts which ensure smooth transfer of idea, information and relationships
especially from departing employees to existing ones. This could be aided by mentoring and coaching.
Keywords: Knowledge Application, Knowledge Sharing, SMEs, Performance