Knowledge management capability and supply chain management practices in the Saudi food industry

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) on supply chain management practices (SCMP) and organizational performance (OP) in firms, in addition to examining the effect of supply chain management on OP. Design/methodology/approach To demonstrate the effect of KMCs on SCMP, and OP, different techniques such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to verify the validity of the proposed conceptual model and to test the suggested hypotheses, using data collected from 165 companies in the Saudi food industry (representing a response rate of 74.9 percent). Findings According to the study’s findings, SCMP are positively affected by KMCs. Moreover, OP is directly affected by KMCs and SCMP. Research limitations/implications Due to the specific nature of the sample, the findings of the current research are applicable only to the food industry. Originality/value The current research introduced a conceptual model, which has been tested and verified in the Saudi food industry. The findings recommend that both KMCs as well as SCMP will contribute to improving the OP. In addition, KMCs will improve the SCMP.