| Abstract |
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the context of knowledge management as an important pillar for many business companies to reach sustainable outcomes. Particularly, we explore the field of knowledge management and supply chain management linked to the achievement of sustainable performance. As a sustainable variable, knowledge may positively affect the relationship between supply chain structure and performance. Design/methodology/approach - Knowledge Management has become increasingly important among researchers because of its importance as a variable of strategic performance. Its implementation within a strategic perspective may drive firms to successful goals. On the other hand, Supply Chain Management has reached a peak as a research topic and researchers have focused their studies on linking it to the concept of sustainability. Knowledge Management may be seen as a factor to ensure sustainability in supply chain because it is considered a fundamental key point for the achievement of social, environmental and financial goals. Starting from a broad literature review, we build a conceptual framework that links the concept of Knowledge Management, Supply Chain Management and Sustainability, and underlines the implementation of knowledge resources within a supply chain structure (i.e. a supply chain strategy oriented to efficient or responsive goals) as a driver to improve performance in sustainable terms. We propose an empirical approach based on a set of 220 worldwide firms operating as retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. By a regression linear model, we explain this positive relationship between knowledge management and social, environmental and economic performance. Originality/value - This methodology puts in evidence that knowledge resources oriented to the concept of sustainability may address business companies to improve their supply chain operations and performance. Therefore, supply chain companies may structure their strategic orientation to better achieve social, environmental and economic outcomes. Practical implications - The outcomes of the application explain knowledge management as a supply chain key factor to create a competitive sustainable advantage. In so doing, we aim at guiding supply chains towards social, environmental and economic performance through the integration of Knowledge Management within their strategic decisions. |