An empirical study of individual competencies in distribution centres to enable continuous innovation

Individual competencies are the complex combination of knowledge, skills and abilities demonstrated by employees that are critical to the effective and efficient functioning of the organization. As firms pursue strategies and commitment to continuously innovate, the major resource to enable this process lies in the people within the organization. Logistics firms in developed economies such as Singapore and Australia are embarking on these strategies to remain competitive. The key objective of this paper is to investigate the competencies that are inherent in employees of distribution centres as part of the logistic function that are rapidly growing and innovating. The study adopts an iterative process of data collection by conducting ten case studies in Singapore and Australia and interviews with senior managers. The findings show several competencies apparent in employees of the firms studied. These underpinned collective behaviours and organizational capabilities needed for continuous innovation. This study provides important lessons for managers in logistics organizations in Australia and Singapore and demonstrates how differing extents of competencies and behaviours of employees can impact on the operations of firms and their capacities to innovate.