Non-technological determinants of inter-industry knowledge sharing among port workers: Strategic insights from Malaysia

Efficient port operations rely on knowledge exchange among industry workers. Previous studies have identified several factors influencing this exchange. For instance, Caporuscio et al. (2020) noted that port operators often have limited industry-specific knowledge, which can hinder effective knowledge sharing. Additionally, there is a recognized gap in understanding the non-technological elements that shape the exchange of inter-industry information among port operators. Al-Busaidi and Olfman (2017) highlighted the crucial roles played by individuals, peers, and organizations in facilitating information-sharing processes. This study examines how individual, peer, and organizational non-technological factors impact port workers’ willingness to share their expertise across industries. Using a sample of seven critical operators from Malaysia’s federal port, the research employs a revised tool to measure these factors and promote information flow. Survey data from knowledge workers in Malaysia’s port operator sector further supports the findings, indicating that individual characteristics notably influence knowledge sharing among port personnel. This study contributes valuable insights to the broader understanding of how these factors influence information exchange among port workers across different industries. © 2025 The Authors.