Paths to knowledge management in small and medium-sized hotels

The purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of strategic paths to knowledge management in small and medium-sized hotels. This thesis has formulated a path knowledge concept and developed a PathFinder model. The formulation of the path knowledge concept and the development of the PathFinder model are based on an empirical investigation through the conduct of thirteen face-to-face in-depth interviews with owners/managers in small and medium-sized hotels. The interview data were analysed with the use of a purpose-built database and Structured Query Language for data manipulation. This study has identified four broad types of paths to knowledge management in small and medium-sized hotels. A hotel's choice of a path to knowledge management is essentially dependent on two defining aspects, the sources of revenue generation and knowledge management activities. The path knowledge concept reflects the growth visions of small and medium-sized hotels, where knowledge management is practised unconscio usly as part of the integrated business operation. The PathFinder model represents the intentions of small and medium-sized hotels with regard to certain paths to knowledge management as influenced by various internal and external resources. The model provides strategic level decision making options for knowledge management and the basis for the development of future additions.