Strategic parameters of knowledge sharing in supply chains

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes that knowledge sharing (KS) decisions taken by firms in supply chains (SCs) are determined by the strategic interactions among the firms, which are, in turn, a function of the product profile and the structural aspects of the SCs. A set of ten parameters that characterise the KS environment in SCs have been identified by synthesising insights from the literature. A conceptual model, integrating the strategic parameters and their interactions with each other, has been developed in the form of an interaction diagram and a concept map. Interesting linkages between (a) knowledge complementarity and SC structure, (b) product profile and KS rates, and (c) knowledge characteristics, knowledge reuse, and SC redesign, all hitherto unreported, have been identified. Future research directions on the role of third-party aggregators as a KS driver are pointed out.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge sharing
• knowledge sharing mechanisms
• supply chains
• information sharing
• knowledge complementarity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.