Knowledge Sharing within an Intermodal Logistics Network and Logistics Performance

Abstract

This paper examines how efficiently intermodal logistic network entities manage global goods movement by sharing knowledge with other players in the network and realizing a higher level of network integration. It investigates the impact of intermodal logistics network integration on improving the logistics performance of the network entities as well as the entire network. Based on a review of literature, a theoretical framework was established to show the associated relationships among the inter-firm relationship mechanisms, knowledge-sharing, intermodal logistics network integration, and logistics performance. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted in the Korean intermodal logistics industry to empirically analyze the assumed theoretical relationship. The results showed that if players in an intermodal logistics network have a large number of connections with other companies in the network, it would facilitate a greater degree of knowledge-sharing among the companies in the network; this impact is directly proportional to the strength of the inter-firm relationship. These findings also indicate that knowledge sharing among the intermodal logistics network entities will help realize a higher level of intermodal logistics network integration. This in turn helps improve the logistics performance of both the individual firms and of the entire network.