Supply Chain Distributed Knowledge Community Exchange: An Integrative Organising Logic

This conceptual paper addresses a critical challenge in distributed organisational environments that facilitate effective knowledge exchange within supply chain and logistics networks. Organisations increasingly rely on information and communication technologies to navigate supply chain disruptions. Understanding how knowledge flows and evolves across distributed work models requires new theoretical groundwork. In response, we introduce the concept of a distributed knowledge community (DKC) as an integrative organising supply chain mechanism that synthesises knowledge from supply chain members who collaborate and learn using distributed work models. Drawing on the knowledge-based view and dynamic capabilities view, we propose a distributed knowledge community exchange (DKCE) framework that illustrates the interaction of six core tenets within DKCs: pro-sharing norms (PSN), information need fulfilment (INF), knowledge contribution, absorptive capacity, distributive capabilities and collaborative engagement. DKCE is therefore positioned as a dynamic capability that enables innovation and resilience in supply chain contexts. This study offers strategic implications for managing digital knowledge systems and strengthening inter-organisational collaboration. Beyond conceptual development, we conclude by providing propositions to guide empirical inquiry and support future advances in knowledge management theory.