The Role of Inter-firm Knowledge Sharing In Outsourcing of Logistics Services

Logistics outsourcing has been at the top of the management agenda during recent decades. Through this approach, companies have been able to improve logistics performance. However, several studies point out severe problems with outcome and it is even claimed that in some cases “logistics outsourcing has become a source of corporate failure and disappointment. This study examines the impact of interfirm knowledge sharing on outsourcing logistic services. The statistical population of this study is comprised of 165 managers of companies operating in the Guilan industrial estates (located in north of Iran) which have outsourced at least one activity. Data were gathered by a questionnaire and were analyzed using structural equation modeling methodology. Research results indicate that knowledge sharing between outsourcing companies and logistics services providers affects the satisfaction. In addition, the effect of interaction of knowledge sharing and communication process on satisfaction is positive and significant, while inter-firm correlation does not play a role in creating satisfaction.