Exploring Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing Strategies: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan Football Industry

Abstract

Purpose: This study has explored the knowledge acquisition and sharing processes operative in the football industry of Sialkot, Pakistan. This study has focused on how these firms could adopt new means of technologically advanced football processes. Knowledge acquisition, dissemination, and conversion have remained unexplored in the football production processes.

Study design: The qualitative research methodology was used, and the grounded theory approach was applied. Using semi-structured interviews, data were collected from 15 informants, including CEOs, managers, and owners. Purposive sampling was used to select the informants. This was a cross-sectional study with an inductive approach. Gioia (2013) methodology was used to analyze the data in grounded theory.

Findings: Data structure developed from the interviews produced three aggregate dimensions, namely strategic position, knowledge acquisition & strategic fit, and knowledge sharing. Data analysis reveals that football producing firms have invented state of the art technology and upgraded their operations according to the changing production requirements. These firms have earned a competitive advantage based on their dynamic capabilities, research & development, innovation and rich history of football production.