Title: Factors that enable knowledge creation and sharing with shop floor supervisors

Authors: Khwanrutai Boonlert

Addresses: Institute of International Studies (IIS-RU), Ramkhamhaeng University, RU Printing Press Building 7th floor, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand; 545 Srinakarin Road, Bangakew, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540, Thailand

Abstract: The aim of this research is to identify some key factors which are critical for supervisors on the shop floor level in manufacturing to boost knowledge creation. This research examines the need to develop a relationship model of supervisors on the shop floor level in manufacturing. This study presents the factors that have an effect on supervisors' knowledge creation. It has been shown that identification of suitable leadership activity, knowledge management enablers and knowledge creation can lead organisational competency. This exposes an important point where knowledge creation is strongly dependent on all factors which are composed of leadership activity and knowledge management enablers. The quantitative approach is used in this research study. The population in this research study is defined as supervisors at production lines on the shop-floor level from manufacturing in the chosen area in Thailand. The sample was drawn from worker employees (supervisors) on the shop floor from various manufacturing enterprises, totalling 454 respondents. Multiple methods, such as multivariate data analysis, were used in the process of purification, reliability and validity measuring as well as hypothesis testing. The findings of the research indicate that leadership activity has a significant and positive influence on knowledge creation. Moreover, knowledge management enablers influence knowledge creation positively. Knowledge management acts to moderate the relationship between leadership activity and knowledge creation.

Keywords: knowledge creation; knowledge management; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2017.087520

Middle East Journal of Management, 2017 Vol.4 No.4, pp.325 - 354

Received: 23 May 2017
Accepted: 01 Jun 2017
Published online: 16 Oct 2017 *

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