Developing a causal model of critical success factors for knowledge management implementation

Despite the numerous advantages of knowledge management (KM), its implementation is perceived to be a difficult and complex task. As a result, many enterprises fail to implement KM successfully. Therefore a deep and systematic assessment of the influencing factors is needed. The objective of this paper is to identify and analyze a set of critical success factors (CSFs) for KM implementation in Iranian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Using DEMATEL methodology, a causal model of CSFs is developed and CSFs are categorized into two groups of driver and dependent factors. The findings indicate that three factors, namely “top management support and leadership”, “strategic planning” and “resources” are driver factors and need serious attention, because any action on these three driver factors will have an effect on the other factors.