Knowledge creation at the first tier level of the supply chain : an application of the SECI model

[摘要] Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model has been used as the theoretical basis for the analysisof knowledge creation and development within supply chains. The model has not beenadjusted but utilised to examine the phenomenon of knowledge creation at the first-tier levelof suppliers of food in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Strategically, knowledge creation anddevelopment could be viewed as a major competitive advantage within the local, national andglobal business environments. This study examined the convergence of supply chainmanagement, strategy and knowledge management with a view to detecting common threadsof importance for knowledge creation. The Nonaka and Takeuchi studies focus on knowledgecreation intra-organisationally not inter-organisationally. Competition today is usuallybetween supply chains, rather than between individual retailers or retail chains. Organisationswho are not members of supply chains do not usually enjoy the same form of competitiveadvantages as those who are. The writers created an opportunity to investigate the validity ofthe model outside of Japan and outside of the boundaries of an organisation.The phenomenon of this study has been a focus at the supplier-buyer interface and theirability, whether consciously or unconsciously, to create and develop knowledge about eachother's operations in order to ensure a sustained and competitive business environment.The investigation was limited to the major food supply chains in the Durban MetropolitanRegion of KZN, and conducted using a questionnaire as the main research instrument. Acomparative study of two groups was undertaken, that of the suppliers and buyers.The initial questionnaire was tested in face-to-face interviews with a number of buyers andsuppliers to seek their interpretation of the questions. As a result of the interviews, the syntaxof a few questions was adjusted for improved understanding by future respondents.The suppliers were given very similar questionnaires to the buyers. The difference betweenthe two groups of questionnaires was that each set of questions made references to the othergroup.The questionnaire was divided in two sections, namely biographical and the researchquestions. The suppliers and buyers were not made aware of the other respondents in thestudy. Approximately 300 questionnaires were handed out, with 220 being completed and returned for data capturing. The major difficulty was to encourage individuals to completeand return the questionnaires.SPSS software was used for the analysis data captured. The results which were developedillustrated a number of interesting and important outcomes of the thinking and actions of bothgroups of respondents.1. Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model was relevant as a theoretical basis for the studyof knowledge creation, inter-organisationally.2. Both groups showed that they developed knowledge in conjunction with first-tierorganisations.3. Organisational planning was not usually undertaken in isolation of the supply chain.4. Continuing education and training is encouraged.5. There was a strong correlation in the thinking and ideas of the respondents.The framework of the theoretical model has thus proven to be a useful tool for theexamination of knowledge creation within supply chains.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University