Influence of knowledge management infrastructure on knowledge creation processes. A study in the primary sector.

Area of Science:

• Business Administration
• Organizational Behavior
• Knowledge Management

Background:

• The primary sector, particularly aquaculture, requires continuous knowledge creation for adaptation and growth.
• Existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of knowledge management's role in primary sector firms.
• Theoretical frameworks like the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and knowledge-based view offer potential insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how knowledge management infrastructure influences knowledge creation in aquaculture companies.
• To investigate the specific impact of environmental, organizational, and technological factors on knowledge creation.
• To develop and test a theoretical model linking these factors to knowledge creation in shrimp farms.

Main Methods:

• Empirical analysis using Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS).
• Data collected from a sample of 186 shrimp farms in Ecuador.
• Utilized theoretical approaches including the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and knowledge-based view.

Main Results:

• Organizational structure and culture were found to significantly influence knowledge creation processes.
• The surrounding environment also positively impacts knowledge creation within these firms.
• Technological resources did not demonstrate a significant effect on knowledge creation, potentially due to the sector's specific operational characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Organizational factors are crucial drivers of knowledge creation in the aquaculture sector.
• The study contributes to linking the knowledge-based view with primary sector activities, offering a novel theoretical model.
• Findings provide managerial guidance on leveraging resource combinations to enhance knowledge stocks and achieve business objectives in dynamic markets.