Developing a Model for Knowledge Employee Voice: The Case Study of Information Technology Enterprises

The present study aimed to develop a model for the voice of knowledge employees who were working in information technology (IT) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in science and technology parks affiliated with Iranian universities. This qualitative research was conducted based on the grounded theory model. For this purpose, semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with 13 individuals, including knowledge managers and employees as well as IT business experts in SMEs affiliated with science and technology parks of Iranian universities accredited by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. The study was conducted in the autumn and winter of 2019. The inclusion criteria for the selection of experts were having three complete years of vocational experience in SMEs with at least 50 employees. Then, the data was analyzed using Atlas T software (version 8) in the three stages of initial, axial, and selective coding, which led to the identification of 8 categories, 16 axial concepts, and 50 final codes. The results showed that the knowledge employee voice could lead to the greater interaction with customers, the achievement of competitive advantage, and high productivity and performance in the intended companies. Moreover, the findings can help the managers improve decision-makings about the obstacles and challenges that the employees may face in the process of growth and development of their companies.