The Effect of Relational Capital on Organizational Performance in Supply Chain: The Mediating Role of Explicit and Tacit Knowledge Sharing

Shi Qiao,Qiankun Wang

doi:10.3390/su131910635

Abstract

Relational capital and organizational performance were important factors for achieving sustainable development of the supply chain, and knowledge sharing could create and maintain sustainable competitive advantages of the supply chain. This study examined the comprehensive relationship among relational capital, explicit and tacit knowledge sharing, and organizational performance and the mediating roles of explicit and tacit knowledge sharing between relational capital and organizational performance in the supply chain by using data collected from a questionnaire survey. SPSS, AMOS, and a structural equation model were used to analysis these data and the aforementioned relationships. The results confirmed that relational capital had a positive impact on explicit and tacit knowledge sharing, there was no relation to organizational performance, and explicit and tacit knowledge sharing played mediating roles between relational capital and organizational performance in the supply chain. The research results could provide theoretical guidance for managers to formulate sustainable development strategies that maintain good relationships and economic benefits of enterprises in the supply chain.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Relational capital is an important factor for the sustainable development of social relations, and knowledge sharing is an important factor for creating and maintaining sustainable competitive advantages of the supply chain
Relational capital is an important factor for the sustainable development of social relations in the supply chain, knowledge sharing is a promoting factor for the sustainable development of supply chain, and organizational performance is an important economic index to evaluate the sustainable development of supply chain

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Maintaining the sustainable development of the supply chain has been a hot issue [1]. The supply chain refers to a functional network chain structure of connected customers and member enterprises including suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors around the core enterprise [2], and it is an important way to achieve high-quality economic, social and environmental development [3]. A high level of supply chain management can promote the sustainable operation and development of a supply chain system [4]

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Discussion

Conclusion