Title: Knowledge transfer in institutionalised supplier development initiatives: the moderating role of institutional factors

Authors: Shem Sikombe; Maxwell A. Phiri

Addresses: School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Business, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia ' School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract: Public procurement as a tool for socio-economic development has attracted considerable attention from supplier development researchers. Supplier development strengthens the management of suppliers and improves their capabilities through knowledge transfer. The article examines how institutionalised supplier development initiatives are associated with knowledge transfer and the moderating role of institutional factors. The article applied multiple regression and moderation analyses on a sample of 171 contractors. Findings reveal that training and the 20% subcontracting policy are significantly associated with knowledge transfer, while the construction finance, preferential, and reservation schemes are not. Regulatory compliance and government support moderate the relationship between institutionalised supplier development and knowledge transfer. Interactions indicate that low regulatory compliance is associated with high knowledge transfer, while government support is associated with high knowledge transfer at all levels. The article contributes to research by demonstrating the influence of regulatory compliance and government support on the implementation of institutionalised supplier development.

Keywords: knowledge transfer; institutionalised supplier development; ISD; institutional factors; small and medium-sized contractors; construction industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2021.117290

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2021 Vol.14 No.5, pp.612 - 640

Received: 16 Jun 2020
Accepted: 23 Jul 2020
Published online: 31 Aug 2021 *

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