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Professionalising Tacit Knowledge and Innovation Capacity: Case Studies of Chinese Family SMEs in Malaysia’s Rubber Manufacturing Sector

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines how the professionalisation of tacit knowledge and innovation capacity affects enterprise development in family businesses experiencing generational change. A conceptual framework is developed to link organisational outcomes with shifts in objective setting that influence innovation and development. Focusing on historical family business profiles from Malaysia’s Companies Commission (SSM), the research uses multiple case studies and in-depth interviews to explore the professionalisation of tacit knowledge and innovation capacity in family-owned firms in the rubber industry. As the fifth-largest producer and exporter of natural rubber, Malaysia serves as a relevant context to analyse how the interplay between tacit knowledge and innovation capacity impacts operations, management, and outcomes during generational transitions in a knowledge-based economy.

Source: Science Technology and Society

DOI: 10.1177/09717218261418486

Authors: Lee Kean Yew, Jacob Donald Tan, Hadi Cahyadi

Institutions: University of Malaya, Pelita Harapan University, Mount Royal University, Tarumanagara University

Language: English

Topic: Family Business Performance and Succession

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7129091788

FWCI:

Cites: 45

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