Knowledge management activities as a mediator in organizational culture and SME sustainability: the role of technological infrastructure

This study examines the mediating role of Knowledge Management Activities (KMA) in the relationship between organizational culture (openness and collaboration) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sustainability, with a focus on the indirect influence of Technological Infrastructure (TIS). Data from 548 SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that KMA significantly mediates the relationship between organizational culture and SME sustainability, underscoring the importance of knowledge creation, sharing, and utilization in driving sustainability outcomes. Although TIS does not directly affect SME sustainability, it enhances KMA effectiveness, playing a key enabling role in knowledge-driven processes. The study contributes to the theory by extending the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) frameworks, highlighting the interconnected roles of organizational culture, knowledge resources, and technological infrastructure in achieving sustainability goals. Practically, the study emphasizes the need for SMEs to foster a culture of openness and collaboration, invest in knowledge management practices, and leverage technological tools to enhance sustainability efforts. The study acknowledges its limitations and suggests that future research be conducted in diverse geographic and industrial contexts, utilizing mixed-methods approaches to deepen understanding. This research advances how SMEs can integrate cultural, technological, and knowledge resources to achieve long-term sustainability.