Influence of cultural factors on knowledge sharing in medium-sized enterprises within transition economies

Knowledge sharing is subject to organisational and national cultural influences, but medium‐sized firms often implement general knowledge‐sharing models without considering cultural factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural factors on knowledge‐sharing activities in medium‐sized enterprises in transition economies. The study was driven by the central research question: How do cultural factors influence employees' perceptions of knowledge‐sharing initiatives in medium‐sized enterprises in transition economies? Qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 managers working in ten medium‐sized enterprises in Albania, which is a transition economy. Six themes revealed the influence of cultural factors on employees' perceptions of knowledge‐sharing initiatives in medium‐sized enterprises in transition economies. Specifically, national culture and organisational culture influence employee behaviour and participation in knowledge‐sharing activities. Thus, it is critical organisational leaders of medium‐sized firms in Albania consider the influence of these factors before implementing knowledge‐sharing activities in firms.