Examining the Impact of Knowledge Sharing on Malaysia's Manufacturing Sector's Competitive Advantage

Abstract

The present research was an exploratory investigation aimed at examining the impact of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing on the competitive advantage of manufacturing firms operating in Malaysia. The findings revealed that the study supports positive relationships between tacit and explicit knowledge sharing and competitive advantage (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility), which is consistent with earlier research. The present study investigated the relationships between tacit and explicit knowledge sharing and competitive advantage, as these constructs have been identified as one of the most extensively researched topics since the inception of organizational theory. However, this study's findings indicate that there is no significant relationship between tacit knowledge sharing and the variables of quality and flexibility that determine competitive advantage. This study employed a quantitative methodology utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. The study aims to provide insights into the significance of tacit and explicit knowledge as the primary elements of knowledge sharing, and a crucial prerequisite for enhancing a manufacturing firm's competitive advantage. Using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling, 198 manufacturing company samples were collected and analyzed. As a result, the current study has the potential to correctly describe the performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms and it is thought to give a credible depiction of their current situation.