Impact of knowledge management capability on supply chain management and organizational practices in logistics industry

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of knowledge management capability (KMC) on supply chain management practices (SCMPs), organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance (OP) in the Malaysian logistics industry. Design/methodology/approach The data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire from the management team in the logistics companies. A total of 412 questionnaires were collected out of which 183 responses were included in the data analysis. This represents a response rate of 44.4%. The respondents were those with managerial and/or supervisory experience where their job title or functions included Managers, Head of the Department, Owners, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Executive Officer and at the very least, Assistant Manager or Supervisors. To investigate the correlations between all the elements (e.g. KMC, OL, SCMPs and OP), this study used different analysis techniques including correlation analysis, reliability and validity test, as well as a structural model. Findings The results indicated that KMC is strongly correlated and has a positive impact on SCMPs in addition to being positively correlated to OL and OP. Also, OL is positively related to OP and SCMPs. Research limitations/implications The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of literature linking KMC with SCMPs, OL and OP. Practical implications The findings provide insight on the importance of knowledge management and OL toward improving SCMPs within organizations. Therefore, the findings are useful for shedding light upon formulating strategies for SCMPs among the decision-makers that will ultimately enhance the overall OP. Originality/value This study meaningfully contributes to enhancing the understanding of the state of affairs of the impact of management capability on SCMPs, OL and OP in the logistics industry. Practitioners may formulate strategies to further improve the study presented here for a better implementation of knowledge management and SCMPs within their organizations.