Individual Learning, Knowledge Sharing and Innovative Behavior of Employees in Small Businesses in Kampala Uganda

This study seeks to determine the effect of individual learning, knowledge sharing, and innovative behaviour among employees in small businesses in Uganda. The research model demonstrates the relationship between individual learning, knowledge sharing and innovative behaviour among employees. Individual learning (self-initiated learning and problem solving) and knowledge sharing (information collection and information donation) are the independent variables while innovative behaviour among employees (supervisor related) is the dependent variable of the study. We used a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional study research design. The study uses primary data source collected from a sample of 360 welding small businesses in Kampala district in Uganda. These businesses are selected because it is a developing segment of the small businesses that has exhibited innovative potential and they are likely to make a significant contribution to the growth of the Ugandan economy. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. The data was analysed using correlations and regression analysis. When employees share knowledge in form of information collection and donation, it helps them to strengthen their understanding which is relevant in boosting their innovative behaviour. Similarly, knowledge sharing and individual learning that is self-initiated learning and problem solving is important in promoting innovative behaviour among employees. The study findings will help small business owners/managers to develop strategies that will enhance the innovative behaviour of their employees during pandemic such as Covid 19. Policy makers will use the study findings to design policies that will foster innovative behaviour among employees especially the youths in Uganda. The results contribute towards the limited empirical and theoretical evidence regarding the individual learning, knowledge management and employee innovative behaviour in small businesses in a developing country perspective. The study was limited by the design which was cross sectional focussing on snapshot perceptions which could probably not provide quite realistic occurrences of study variables.