Unleashing the dynamics of triple-A capabilities: a dynamic ambidexterity view

Purpose This study examines the impact of knowledge management capabilities on agility, adaptability and alignment (triple-A), drawing upon the nexus of the knowledge-based view and dynamic ambidexterity in the context of manufacturing industry in the USA. It also assesses the performance outcomes of triple-A capabilities in terms of operational and relational performance. Design/methodology/approach Path analysis was performed in this empirical study in the manufacturing industry. Findings The results show that knowledge management capabilities are conducive to the development of triple-A capabilities, which in turn lead to the improvement of operational and relational performance. Originality/value This study is grounded in the marriage of the knowledge-based view and dynamic ambidexterity to assess the combinative impact of knowledge management capabilities of knowledge acquisition and sharing through absorptive and desorptive capacities on agility and adaptability through knowledge exploration and alignment by knowledge exploitation in the pursuit of triple-A capabilities. This study unentangles the linkage between knowledge management capabilities and triple-As by theorizing the connection between absorptive/desorptive capacity and exploration/exploitation in terms of responsive and efficient supply chain respectively.