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Interacting Effects of Tacit Knowledge and Learning Orientation in Improving Firm Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni

    (Chrisland University
    Shaveh Consulting
    Covenant University)

  • Babatunde Daniel Agbi

    (KolaDaisi University)

  • Busola E. Kehinde

    (Covenant University)

Abstract

Organisational knowledge literature is limited in explaining tacit knowledge utilisation as contingent factors for enhancing performance from a human cognitive and learning perspective. Hence, the motivation of this study is to provide insights into the literature about the interacting effects of tacit knowledge and learning orientation in shaping learning and improving firm performance. This study investigated the relationships between tacit knowledge, learning orientation and performance. The descriptive research design was adopted, while 231 telecommunication experts in the leading telecommunication firm in Nigeria participated in the survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) AMOS was used to analyse the data gathered. The statistical results indicated support for the direct influence of group-tacit knowledge on firm performance while suggesting that individual-tacit knowledge does not have a significant direct effect on performance. Meanwhile, there is an established statistical relationship between individual-tacit knowledge and two dimensions of learning orientation: open-mindedness and inter-organisational knowledge sharing. All the dimensions of group-tacit knowledge and learning orientation are statistically related. As a mediating variable, the statistical results show that learning orientation strengthens the relationship between organisational knowledge variables (individual-tacit knowledge and group-tacit knowledge) and firm performance. Therefore, the study recommends that managers essentially promote a culture of collectivism in knowledge sharing and learning to enhance organisational performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayodotun Stephen Ibidunni & Babatunde Daniel Agbi & Busola E. Kehinde, 2023. "Interacting Effects of Tacit Knowledge and Learning Orientation in Improving Firm Performance," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(3), pages 2539-2560, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:14:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s13132-022-00978-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-022-00978-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Individual-tacit knowledge; Group-tacit knowledge; Knowledge management; Learning orientation; Firm performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration
    • M2 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics

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