Knowledge and information management practices in small and medium-sized enterprises organized in cooperative networks: a multi case comparative study in the Brazilian industry

The research described in this article aims to analyse the influence of networking on information and knowledge management practices of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the Brazilian industry. Through an eight comparative case study of qualitative approach, between two industrial segments, agribusinesses and industries in general, it was concluded that: (1) the processes of creation, acquisition, maintenance and sharing of information and knowledge were influenced by the network as well as by organizational culture, cooperation and collaboration, and the existing relations and interactions within and between enterprises, (2) the exchange of information and experience is beneficial for SMEs (3), the network promoted partly the systematization of knowledge, but facilitated its development, (4) the establishment of an enabling context ('Ba') can facilitate the creation and the development of skills of these individuals and companies. Accordingly, it was found that the culture of cooperation may be considered essential in the organizational and individual learning process.