Factors affecting the firms’ knowledge acquisition in the supply chain in Vietnam: The case of Petrolimex lubricant supply chain

Abstract

Based on organisational learning theory and knowledge acquisition/sharing theory in the general organisation and in the supply chain, a research model has been established. To optimise the research model under the Vietnamese context, on the one hand, relevant domestic and international research results were inherited, and on the other hand, qualitative research was conducted. In the process of model testing, this study selected the survey objects as the lubricant supply chain, the typical supply chain in Vietnam, in which the Petrolimex lubricant supply chain was chosen as the official representative. 1.329 subjects who are members of the Petrolimex lubricant supply chain at different level (suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers) were asked for collecting information. The Explore Factor Analysis (EFA) technique, the reliability analysis Cronbach’s Alpha, the correlation analysis, and the multivariate regression were conducted to analyse the collected data. The analysed results show that, except for two factors (Joint Participation, Formal goals and plans), the remaining factors in the proposed research model have a causal relationship with knowledge acquisition in the supply chain. Research also demonstrates that there are discrepancy and consistency in knowledge acquisition between a learning organisation and a member of the supply chain. Hence, the meaning of management for the supply chain is to find appropriate solutions to enhance the knowledge acquisition ability of chain members, towards enhancing competitiveness in the market.