Linkage between dynamics capability and knowledge management factors: A structural equation model

Abstract

Purpose: Organizations are currently set in a background of dramatic discontinuity, i.e., environments that require continuous change due to fierce competition and market latent demands. From this perspective, it becomes eminent for organizations to develop an organizational context that stimulates routines reconstruction and internal capabilities to continue to be a competitive organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine entry and exit relationships of knowledge management (KM). Entries are considered, in this paper, the foundation factors of KM, and exits are related to dynamic capability (DC). Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected through a survey conducted with 550 companies of the automotive industry, which are registered in the database of SINDIPEÇAS (National Union of Automobile Component Industries) with return rate of 143 valid questionnaires. The hypothesis testing and analysis were conducted using structural equation modeling. Findings: The research shows the organizational structure as the main contextual factor related to KM, that supports DC. Besides organizational structure, this paper also assesses the interaction between human resources and organizational culture related to DC. Practical implications: The results may help managers of companies from the automotive industry to understand which initiatives promote DC and innovation. Originality/value: This paper presents one of the few researches that compare contextual factors related to KM that support DC; and it also compares the connection among human resources, organizational culture and organizational structure related to KM.