Creation of Knowledge and Reverse Logistics. Empirical Analysis from Perspective of the Resource Based View Theory

Abstract

Reverse logistics activities require the ability to generate new knowledge to reduce high uncertainty and to solve problems resulting of these activities. In this sense the purpose of this research is to understand how the modes of knowledge conversion (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 1995) affect reverse logistics and examine the joint influence of these variables on the flexibility of distribution of information (because information has a key role for these variables) and performance of the organization. Our results provide empirical evidence confirming 1) the more necessary is the knowledge creation processes in the organization the greater are the importance and the ability to anticipation of reverse logistics systems for the organization, 2) also we found the importance of reverse logistics enhances the effects of flexibility of distribution of information and reinforces the belief that it is a fundamental capacity that increases the value of the company's products obtained by reverse logistics processes, 3) the findings have provided empirical evidence of the existence of positive relationship between reverse logistics, flexibility and business performance. In short, the results have shown the importance for the organization of knowledge management systems and reverse logistics systems that give your company a greater ability to anticipate and flexibly to the increasing changes taking place in a competitive environment of high uncertainty. A number of implications and contributions stem from the discussion and conclusions of the study.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.24.5.2689