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Conceptualising Business Knowledge in SMEs: Sectoral Recipes and Activity Systems

This research investigates patterns of sensemaking across a broad sample of SMEs. We hypothesise that managers make sense of, as well as shape, their world through a variety of mediating mechanisms. To identify patterns of organizational 'knowing' we utilise the term 'industry recipe' Within activity systems, knowledge and practices of 'knowing' are contested because identities, conceptions of activity and mediating artefacts, including language, are held in dynamic rather than static relations (Engeström, 1999). Our sample of 96 SMEs will be selected according to two criteria: first, sectoral variations incorporating services, knowledge-based and manufacturing. Secondly, the level of maturity encompassing start-up, mature and rapid growth. Composite cognitive maps (Clarke and Mackaness, 2000) will reveal 'practices of knowing' and 'recipes' adopted within activity systems. In addition, personal diaries will provide a narrative of how managers understands their activities and how understanding change during periods of uncertainty (Gold et al., 2002). We will adopt a 'Mode 2' methodology including institutions such as the Small Business Service (SBS). The research is designed to reconceptualise understanding of 'practices of knowing' adopted by managers in response to situations of uncertainty.