Abstract This exploratory study aims to provide initial insight into knowledge risk management. More precisely, it describes whether and to what extent knowledge risk management is practiced in organisations in different selected Latin American countries. A sample of organisations located in different Latin American countries is surveyed in order to understand how knowledge risks are managed, which knowledge risks are managed, and what tools and methods are used to manage these knowledge risks. The study presents information regarding knowledge risk management, as well as knowledge risks that are addressed in public and private organisations in different Latin American countries. Additionally, overviews of the methods used to manage those knowledge risks and the consequences of mising management of knowledge risks are shown. Based on the findings, decision-makers may identify and initiate actions to improve their approach to knowledge risk management. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no quantitative study on the practice of knowledge risk management dedicated to public and private organisations in Latin America has yet been published in academic journals.

Resumen Este estudio exploratorio tiene como objetivo proporcionar una visión inicial de la gestión de riesgos del conocimiento. Más precisamente, describe si y en qué medida se practica la gestión del riesgo del conocimiento en organizaciones de diferentes países seleccionados de América Latina. Se encuesta una muestra de organizaciones ubicadas en diferentes países de América Latina para comprender cómo se gestionan los riesgos del conocimiento, qué riesgos del conocimiento se gestionan y qué herramientas y métodos se utilizan para gestionar estos riesgos. El artículo presenta información sobre la gestión del riesgo del conocimiento, así como los riesgos del conocimiento que se abordan tanto en organizaciones públicas como privadas en diferentes países de América Latina. Además, se muestran descripciones generales de los métodos utilizados para gestionar los riesgos del conocimiento y las consecuencias debido a la falta de gestión de estos. Con base en los hallazgos, los tomadores de decisiones pueden identificar e iniciar acciones para mejorar su enfoque de la gestión de riesgos del conocimiento. Hasta donde el autor tiene conocimiento, no se ha publicado en revistas académicas ningún estudio cuantitativo sobre la práctica de la gestión del riesgo del conocimiento dedicado a organizaciones públicas y privadas de América Latina.

Abstract Paper aims Extant Literature based on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm suggests that it can be used to study organizations of all types and sizes. In essence, the RBV argues that firms that possess rare, non-imitable, valuable, unique, and non-substitutable resources will outperform firms that do not possess such resources. This study questions the applicability of this assumption to smaller businesses, which are likely to have common resources readily available in the market rather than rare, non-imitable, non-substitutable, unique, or valuable resources. The purpose of this study is to discuss whether the composition-based view (CBV) of the firm offers a more promising approach than the RBV to studying small businesses. Originality This study is one of the first to tentatively suggest a change in theoretical approach when studying small businesses. Research method A structured critical review approach is taken. Main findings The findings reveal that the CBV offers a more promising and appropriate theoretical framework than the RBV for research on small businesses, whereas the RBV is better suited to research on larger firms. Implications for theory and practice Future studies can use the RBV and the CBV to study large and small businesses, respectively.