Abstract:
Knowledge has been recognized long ago as an important asset for sustaining
competitive advantage. Recently, many companies have identified the use of
information technologies within an organization, as an important tool for managing or
sharing organizational knowledge in order to improve business performance.
This research tests a conceptual model that evaluates the contribution of Shared
Knowledge and Information Technology to the Manufacturing Performance, through a
study among Manufacturing and Quality groups in the Sri Lankan manufacturing
industry. Theoretically, this research stands upon the 'knowledge-based theory of the
firm' (Sveiby,, 1992) adapted by the rapidly growing knowledge-based services and
knowledge-intensive industries. Survey data collected from 30 medium to large size
industrial companies with a total of 60 manufacturing and quality groups, representing
industrial sectors like ceramics, food and beverages, tyres, FMCG, chemical, electrical
consumables, plastics, cables, tea etc., were analyzed to test the model.
As Shared Knowledge and Information Technology (IT) are central points of the
investigation, Knowledge Management (KM) and specific IT Systems for supporting
collaboration and knowledge-based work has been focused. The aim of the research is
to connect both Shared Knowledge and Information Technology to the Manufacturing
Performance.
Finally, conclusions are presented together with a reference to the research limitations
and some managerial implications. Two main findings of the study -the contributions
of (a) Shared Knowledge to the Manufacturing group performance, and (b)
Information Technology to the Manufacturing group performance and Sharing
Knowledge, are demonstrated. Manufacturing and Quality groups have the
opportunity to increase shared knowledge and, in this manner, to positively affect
Manufacturing Performance by developing Mutual Trust through IT-based
communication, social interaction and common goal accomplishment.
