Title: Elevating the organisational innovation and knowledge sharing capability through soft TQM practices

Authors: Ai-Fen Lim

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Management, UCSI University Kuala Lumpur Campus, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights (Taman Connaught), 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: The development of human capital skills and expertise is needed to transform the nation's manufacturing industry into one that is smart, innovative, and resilient. Developing a human capital strategy (soft TQM practices) that places a premium on knowledge sharing (KS) and organisational innovation (OI) is crucial for the manufacturing sector's digital transformation. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance and connections between soft TQM practices, KS, and OI among manufacturers. Two hundred twenty two valid responses from manufacturing firms were analysed, the study discovered a significant and positive relationship between these three-dimensional variables using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Meanwhile, KS acts as a mediator between soft TQM practices and OI. By advancing theories of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities (KBDC), this research demonstrates the great influence of soft TQM practices on both KS and OI, which is important for manufacturing firms redesigned pivotal management strategy.

Keywords: total quality management; TQM; knowledge sharing; organisational innovation; knowledge-based dynamic capabilities; KBDC; partial least squares-structural equation modelling; PLS-SEM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2023.128869

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2023 Vol.33 No.2, pp.137 - 160

Received: 13 Jan 2022
Accepted: 28 Jan 2022
Published online: 08 Feb 2023 *

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