An organizational capability perspective on knowledge management: The effect of knowledge management capabilities on organizational effectiveness of maritime equipment suppliers in Møre and Romsdal

Abstract

Previous studies have emphasized the importance of knowledge management capabilities (KMC´s) and outlined their influence on organizational effectiveness. Today’s economic environment has been described as knowledge based and knowledge management (KM) is recognized as the most important resource of the modern organization. However, few researchers focus on knowledge management capabilities in a Norwegian context. The present study investigates the relationship between the KMC´s and organizational effectiveness of maritime equipment supplier in Møre and Romsdal. Moreover, the moderating effect of firm size and outsourcing on the relationship of the model is analysed. The research of Gold et al. (2001) is adopted to fit the context of the cluster, and a triangulated method approach is utilized. Three preliminary in-depth interviews were conducted to analyse the fit of the research model to the context of the equipment suppliers and to obtain better understanding of the research topic. Through a survey distributed to all 169 suppliers, empirical data of 70 respondents were collected. From statistical analysis conducted in SPSS and SmartPLS, results indicated that Knowledge culture and Knowledge structure are important constructs of KM infrastructure capability. Knowledge application was found to be an important contributor to KM process capability. Process capabilities were also found to inflict positive impact on organizational effectiveness, indicating that increased efforts in such activities will enhance the equipments suppliers’ effectiveness. Contradictive to initial indications, KM infrastructure capability was not found to significantly affect organizational effectiveness. Furthermore, intensity of outsourcing was found to decrease the relationship between KM infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. However firm size, as a moderator on the relationships of the model was not detected. To the end of this thesis the discussion of the relative findings, implications, limitations and suggestions to further research on the topic is presented. Keywords: Knowledge Management, Knowledge Management Capabilities, Outsourcing, Firm Size