Knowledge sharing and strategic fit in integrated product development proejcts: An empirical study

• Published in: International journal of production economics Vol. 132; no. 2; pp. 186 - 196
• Main Authors: Hong, Paul, Doll, William J., Revilla, Elena, Nahm, Abraham Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.08.2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Series: International Journal of Production Economics
• Subjects: Alignment; Economics; Empirical analysis; Knowledge bases (artificial intelligence); Knowledge management; Knowledge sharing; Knowledge sharing practices; Knowledge sharing practices Strategic fit Product development projects Project outcomes; Linkages; Product development; Product development projects; Project outcomes; Strategic fit; Strategic management; Strategy; Studies; Teams; Canada; United States > US; Spain; Strategic fit; Knowledge sharing practices; Product development projects; Project outcomes
• ISSN: 0925-5273; 1873-7579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2011.04.004

While product strategy has been approached from a variety of perspectives, the role of strategic fit as a critical linkage of knowledge sharing practices and new product development outcomes have not been adequately explored. This paper discusses how strategic fit is instrumental for cross-functional teams to integrate product development outcomes. This paper identifies critical knowledge sharing components that enhances the extent of strategic fit that in turn improves the success of product development efforts. Strategic fit or alignment requires knowledge sharing practices of the product development team. Teams with a shared knowledge base are more capable of thinking strategically, adapting their actions to their project environment and accordingly engaging in innovative problem-solving while ultimately achieving project goals of time, cost and value. This paper presents and tests a research model using a sample of 285 product development projects of firms from USA, Canada and Spain. The results suggest that strategic fit is associated with greater knowledge sharing and enhance product development outcomes in both small and large firms as well as diverse regions (i.e., USA, Canada and Spain).