Influence of knowledge management infrastructure on knowledge creation processes. A study in the primary sector

Under the theoretical approaches of the resource-based view of the firm, the dynamic capabilities and the knowledge-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence that the knowledge management infrastructure has on knowledge creation processes in primary sector companies, specifically, the aquaculture sector. For the empirical analysis, the SEM-PLS approach was used on a sample of 186 shrimp farms in Ecuador. Results confirm that the environment and organizational structure, and culture influence knowledge creation, while technological resources are not significant. This can be explained by the characteristics of the central activities of the shrimp companies and the assignment of functions. From a theoretical point of view, this paper links the knowledge-based view of the firm with the activities of the primary sector. Specifically, a theoretical model is developed in which the variables that can influence the knowledge creation processes of shrimp farms are studied. Existing works in the scientific literature that analyze both perspectives are practically nil. From a managerial perspective, given the importance of the creation and renewal of knowledge to develop organizational capabilities in the face of the dynamism of the market, the findings of this study can guide managers to understand how the combination of resources can help increase stocks of knowledge useful to business objectives.