Knowledge integration by middle managers in multinational automotive firms in Thailand

Name: Vongbhum Vanasin

LCSH: Knowledge managementment -- Case studies

LCSH: Integration (theory of knowledge) -- Case studies

LCSH: Automobile industry executives -- Thailand

Abstract: The transition from an economy based on materials to an economy based on flows of digital information has created considerable challenges for organizations. Thus, knowledge has been recognized by many firms as their source of sustainable competitive advantage and dynamic capability. Due to their strategic position within the organizational hierarchy, middle managers are in an excellently position to leverage firm specific knowledge. However, from a knowledge-based theoretical explanation, middle managers, working in multinational corporations, often experience difficulties in performing their functions because they are unable to adjust to a diverse organizational settings and culture leading to impediments of knowledge integration. How do firms capture, create, and internalize their knowledge? What are the enablers or barriers to the knowledge integration? The aim of this research was to investigate whether organizational cultures play an influential role in determining the perceptions of middle managers on knowledge integration process. It examines both organizational and individual attributes within six multinational auto-assembly plants in Thailand - three Japanese (Toyota, Mazda, and Isuzu) and three western firms (Ford, Volvo, and BMW). Interviews with top executives and a survey of 200 middle managers were conducted. From the statistical analysis, there were distinct characteristics of the two automotive camps. The study led to the confirmation that (1) the middle managers working in the Japanese firms have different perceptions of knowledge integration process from the middle managers working in the western firms and (2) some theoretical constructs showed significant influence only in the Japanese firms, some only in the western firms, and some in both groups of firms. It cites necessary policies and guidelines that should be implemented in order to improve firms’ knowledge integration process.

Bangkok University. Library

Address: BANGKOK

Email: library@bu.ac.th

Name: Lee, Sang M.

Role: Advisor of thesis

Created: 2002

Modified: 2565-11-05

Issued: 2009-09-14

วิทยานิพนธ์/Thesis

application/pdf

CallNumber: Dissertation V663K 2002 BU

eng

DegreeName: Doctor of Philosophy

Level: Doctoral Degree

Descipline: Business Administration

Grantor: Bangkok University

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