Knowledge stickiness in the buyer–supplier knowledge transfer process: The moderating effects of learning capability and social embeddedness

Increased outsourcing yields less vertically-integrated firms, suppliers have to rely on different buyers and interdisciplinary teams for acquired and utilized knowledge to improve performance. However, knowledge transfer from buyers to suppliers is not always successful. Studies pertaining to the knowledge stickiness between firms in the knowledge transfer process, such as between buyers and suppliers, have been minimal. Furthermore, while knowledge transfer processes are essentially context-specific in terms of who participates and how they participate in the process, it is very important to put knowledge transfer into context. The results provide support for a curvilinear inverted-U shape relationship between knowledge stickiness and manufacturing capability. In addition, the influence of knowledge stickiness on manufacturing capability would be enhanced by the moderating variables of social embeddedness and learning capability. The finding further suggests that supplier manufacturing capabilities impact supplier commitment and supplier performance.

► Inverted-U relationship exists between knowledge stickiness and manufacturing capability.
► Social embeddedness moderates knowledge stickiness–manufacturing capability relationship.
► Learning capability moderates knowledge stickiness–manufacturing capability relationship.
► Supplier manufacturing capabilities impact supplier commitment and supplier performance.