This paper discusses features of small firms that combine to constitute a different milieu for knowledge management. It reports upon work conducted with many small firms and presents a model of considerations and phases in knowledge management projects in small-firm settings.

Presents evidence from a research study into the impact of gender on management styles, using repertory grid as a methodology. Generalized differences were identified in the approaches of women and men to definition of the job, overall style, decision making and interpersonal relationships. Men had greater visibility to other men, while a broader insight was offered by women interviewees into the women managers′ approaches. In the context of patriarchal power relations, in which masculinity is defined as opposite and superior to femininity, feminine working styles are perceived as less effective in organizations, while masculine attributes tend to be regarded as normatively the way to manage. Such values can imbue recruitment, selection and development practices with gender bias. Recent management and leadership theory has advocated the value of a people‐centred approach, which traditionally and stereotypically has been associated with women. This might appear to open up opportunity for women. Concludes that there is a need to be alert to a redefinition of patriarchal relations as men seek to maintain status.

Examines the reasons why TQM has had relatively little impact in the hospitality sector and recognizes the greater risks involved in implementing TQM as opposed to a more “technique‐based” implementation. Identifies two requirements for successful implementation – the right initial conditions (which reduce the perceived risk) and the need for an appropriate environment within which TQM can flourish. In the latter context, four key concepts are identified: “external awareness”, “change potential”, “motivation”, and “manoeuvrability”. Comparisons are drawn with manufacturing organizations which identify some of the reasons for the greater impact in that sector. Concludes by identifying some ways in which the hospitality sector could start to close the gap.

SMEs are both users of marketing research and subjects of market research. There is clear evidence that the decision processes in such firms often render the products/services designed for medium and large firms inappropriate. One of the major suppliers of services to the small firms sector is the business support infrastructure. This includes agencies associated with business start‐up/expansion and their management consultancy services concerning marketing, finance, insurance and risk management etc. This paper considers the value of using in‐depth qualitative research to establish the unique features of business support required by small firms. In addition to a review of recent studies that have adopted ethnographic, repertory grid and cognitive mapping qualitative approaches in this context, the paper presents the results from a specific study where the repertory grid procedure was used to establish the risk management practices of high technology small firms. Conclusions are drawn concerning the strengths and limitations of qualitative market research in designing SME training/development support.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to report upon an initiative within a case study UK university to facilitate service innovation in small firms. The paper aims to outline how explicit use of such concepts has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of this form of university-industry interaction. Design/methodology/approach -The paper considers how an evaluative inquiry approach could be used to assess the contribution of explicit consideration of knowledge integration and absorptive capacity in university-industry interaction. Findings -The paper reveals how the study has been constructed and how the planned use of personal reflective tools and structured group interactions may enhance the consideration and utilisation of the key concepts by the university and SME clients.Research limitations/implications -The paper brings a degree of theorising upon university-industry interaction that is largely absent in reported studies. It adds to the knowledge/cognitive perspective upon small business support. Practical implications -The value of evaluative inquiry and explicit use of knowledge concepts in assisting the evolution of interactions with small businesses are highlighted. Originality/value -The paper presents a compelling case for an innovative approach towards facilitating collaboration.