Knowledge acquisition, information exchanges, and supply chains cycle time

We present a model to examine factors influencing knowledge acquisition and implementation in inter-firm. The model comprises seven research hypotheses with six constructs, including relational benefits, knowledge acquisition, information exchanges, Dysfunctional conflicts, Shared values, and cycle time. The constructs are measured by well-supported measures in the literature. The hypotheses are tested via an empirical study of supply chains. Using data from 301 manufacturing firms that are among the top 500 Taiwanese manufacturing firms of 2011 listed by Business Weekly. The results of the empirical study suggest that the role played by relational benefits is critical in ensuring the knowledge acquisition as it reinforces the information exchanges between supply chain members and mitigates the cycle time in the process. The findings of the study provide useful insights into how supply chain members should reinforce their Shared values and Dysfunctional conflicts so as to improve their relational benefits and collaborative behaviors and the knowledge acquisition process explained substantial variance in cycle time.