Learning experiences for South African SMEs: interactions with established contractors

Abstract

Knowledge is key to the economic survival of any organization. For small emerging companies to achieve stability in their development knowledge is crucial and has to be acquired. Using an organizational learning approach a series of cases studies of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and their interactions with large established companies were conducted. Interactions were mapped against the learning experiences of the SMEs that resulted. The findings showed that the nature of the relationships between the companies shape knowledge acquisition. Typical mechanisms of knowledge acquisition through interaction with established companies exist, and are content and context dependent. In order to foster learning, tailor-made learning environments using relations with other actors in the industry can be created.