Social Media for Knowledge Sharing by SMEs: A Case of Manufacturing Firms in Embu County in Kenya

Social media has been shown to play a critical role in supporting various organizational practices. However, few studies have explored its role in facilitating knowledge sharing practices within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. This study investigated the knowledge sharing practices within manufacturing SMEs and use of social media to support these practices. Using the Task-Technology Fit Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study used Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyze data collected from 186 participants in 14 manufacturing SMEs in Embu County, Kenya. The study found that socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization significantly influenced the ease of sharing knowledge through social media. This was also true for perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy. This research can benefit SMEs in developing countries by helping them establish frameworks that effectively use social media for knowledge-sharing.