The mediator role of KM process for creative organizational learning case study

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rouhollah Bagheri ◽  
Mohhamad Reza Hamidizadeh ◽  
Parisa Sabbagh

Purpose – The current study aims to investigate the existing relationship between knowledge management (KM) infrastructures, KM process capabilities, creative organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – Statistical population includes executives of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran. The 68 questionnaires were distributed among the census, of which 60 questionnaires were completed correctly. The research data were analyzed by SPSS and PLS software. The unit of analysis is a company that has adopted a knowledge management system (KMS). Target population of the research consisted of 85 top managers of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran (N = 85). Random sampling method was applied in this study, and 71 top managers were considered as the statistical sample based on the “Morgan Table”. One standard five-point Likert questionnaire was adopted and distributed between top managers in the park; 62 questionnaires were returned, among which 60 were statistically investigated. The structural relations among variables were tested using the partial least squares method. Findings – This study shows that the KM processes can mediate between creative OL and factors in the KM infrastructure. The results of the study demonstrate that KM process capabilities have the most crucial role in creative OL. The results indicate a significant influence of the infrastructure capabilities on the process capabilities, also the impacts of KM process capabilities on creative OL and the impacts of creative OL on organizational performance was confirmed. Research limitations/implications – Using a holistic view of the KM performance framework, this study has provided insights to KM for researchers because it explains the integrated aspects of KM performance by examining the relationships between the KM infrastructure, knowledge process capabilities, and organizational outcomes. Previous studies on KM have been fragmented because they only consider some aspects of KM performance rather than using a holistic view of the KM performance framework: they have examined the relationship between one or two facets of KM enablers and process capability, or between KM process capabilities and organizational performance. Practical implications – In order to manage rapid change and global competition in business environments, knowledge workers should create new business opportunities and continuously question what and how they can contribute to these chances. Organizational KMS should support the learning processes of their knowledge workers. Social implications – The continuous learning and experiments are necessary in order to produce new ideas and products: it is critical to emphasize the importance of a KM infrastructure that supports and encourages learning in organizations. The creative learning in turn affects organizational performance indicating that without learning, organizations cannot overcome the boundary of old business practices and adjust to change in environments. Originality/value – Previous researches did not appraise the effect of KM and its capabilities on organizational performance, and the specific influence of creative OL was disregarded. The present study demonstrates the mechanism of KM effect on organizational performance and describes the comprehensive dimensions of KM performance.

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1141-1164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing-Long Wu ◽  
Jian-Liang Chen

Purpose – This paper aims at defining a model to properly evaluate knowledge management (KM) value. Empirical studies have found little or no improvement in organizational performance despite large KM investments. Design/methodology/approach – The KM-driven performances are rooted in knowledge resources based on the knowledge-based view. Further, the KM-driven performances are mediated by business process capabilities. Organizational learning is critically complementary to KM for being a moderator to knowledge resources. A model was proposed for defining the performance with the relationships between these issues. A survey was conducted for collecting empirical data. Partial least squares was used for path analysis. Findings – Knowledge resources lay a foundation on the KM-driven performance through the mediator of business process capabilities. Specifically, knowledge assets and process capabilities are two different but relevant drivers in a value creation process. The findings particularly provide evidence to explain the knowledge-based view and the mediator of business process capabilities. Practical implications – While an organization owns important knowledge resources in the industry, it should dedicate its effort to the improvement of business process capabilities for well-achieving final performance. The KM-driven performance should be considered for both financial and non-financial indicators in a complementary manner. Originality/value – Extant theories may provide inadequate methods to evaluate KM-enabled performance. This study attempted to define an effective model for this issue. This model empirically demonstrated its capability to work on this issue.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 10061
Author(s):  
Mirna Kordab ◽  
Jurgita Raudeliūnienė ◽  
Ieva Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė

Organizations operating in the intensive knowledge-based sector seek efficient management approaches and sustainable development practices to perform efficiently in the dynamic business environment. Knowledge management practice and organizational learning are significant factors in order to achieve sustainable organizational performance in a rapidly changing business environment. Based on the scientific literature analysis, there is still a lack of evidence related to the mediating role of the whole knowledge management cycle, including the five knowledge management processes (knowledge acquisition, creation, storage, sharing, and application) in the relationship between organizational learning and sustainable organizational performance for organizations operating in intensive knowledge-based sectors. This study aimed to examine the impact of the whole knowledge management cycle on the relationship between organizational learning and sustainable organizational performance in intensive knowledge-based sectors, specifically the audit and consulting companies in the Middle East region. Systematic scientific literature analysis, expert evaluation (structured questionnaire), and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique were used to develop and verify the research model. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among auditing experts working in a knowledge-based sector—audit and consulting companies in the Middle East region. The research results supported the hypotheses stating that organizational learning positively affects knowledge acquisition, storage, sharing, application processes, and sustainable organizational performance. However, the results verified that organizational learning has an insignificant impact on the Middle Eastern audit and consulting companies’ knowledge creation process.


2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Farooq Sahibzada ◽  
Jianfeng Cai ◽  
Khawaja Fawad Latif ◽  
Hassam Farooq Sahibzada

Purpose Drawing on the knowledge-based view, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the interrelationship between Knowledge Management (KM) processes, Knowledge Worker Satisfaction (KWS) and Organizational Performance (OP). Additionally, the study further seeks to identify the combinations of KM processes and KWS dimensions that can lead to enhanced OP. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 248 academics and administration employees of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The relationships were tested using SmartPLS 3.2.7. The study also employed fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) for examining configurational paths. Findings The results of the study revealed that KM processes significantly affect KWS and KWS enhances OP in HEIs. Based on fsQCA, the results revealed multiple configurational paths to improved OP. Originality/value There is significant lack of research that ascertains the inter-relationship between KM processes, KWS, and OP. This is one of the initial studies that examines the relationship of KM processes, KWS, and OP in HEI’s. From a methodological perspective, the study contributes by combining symmetric and asymmetric statistical tools in KM literature. fsQCA helps to understand the interactions that might not be immediately obvious through traditional symmetric methods.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 846-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wahda

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) on organizational learning culture (OLC) in the context of organizational performance of the State Organization for Higher Education (PTN) in South Sulawesi. Design/methodology/approach The unit of analysis in this study includes a study program of exact sciences, non-exact science scholars, as well as the study population. Sample size is 138 units/respondents. Analysis method used to test the research hypothesis is partial least square (PLS) by employing XLSTAT. Findings The results of analysis show that the exact science, non-exact science, and exact-non-exact OLC have a significant positive effect on KM. This means that when an OLC is strongly implanted, the KM will be well implemented. Therefore, to carry out the KM well, it is imperative that there should be a suitable organizational culture. In this case, an OLC has the biggest effect on achieving organizational performance. Originality/value KM in organizations has been researched by performing case studies on sub-companies of a selected corporation in the city of Esfahan and on OLC in a public service organization of Pakistan. This paper claims originality on the basis of the following: variables used are mediating variables of KM, learning organizational culture, and organizational performance; the method used in this research is PLS and the locations used in this study, sites at the State University of Makassar in Indonesia, are unique as they have not been used in any previous studies on this topic.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Kashif Imran ◽  
Muhammad Ilyas ◽  
Usman Aslam ◽  
Ubaid-Ur-Rahman Ubaid-Ur-Rahman

Purpose The transformation of firms from resource-based-view to knowledge-based-view has extended the importance of organizational learning. Thus, this study aims to develop an organizational learning model through transformational leadership with indirect effect of knowledge management process capability and interactive role of knowledge-intensive culture. Design/methodology/approach Different statistical analyses were done to check the direct, indirect and interactive effects on 204 valid responses. Findings The results are clearly depicting that transformational leadership has significant positive impact on organizational learning and knowledge management process capability, and partially mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational learning. Additionally, knowledge-intensive culture has strengthened the relationship between transformational leadership and knowledge management process capability. Originality/value This is an overarching and unique conceptual model. After examining the importance of organizational learning in the context of innovative ability, competitive advantage, creativity and organizational performance, management has to initiate steps to induct transformational leaders, develop knowledge-intensive culture and introduce knowledge management processes to boost learning environment in organizations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 2060-2072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shouzhen Zeng ◽  
Joaquin Gonzalez ◽  
Clemente Lobato

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationships between Web 2.0 adoption, innovation, organizational learning and organizational performance in the hotel industry. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of four and five-star hotels provides the data. The fieldwork took place between February and June 2013. The questionnaire was sent to top managers of Chinese hospitality firms that provide their e-mail addresses on the main Chinese tourism web pages. The final sample comprises 278 hotels. This percentage of responses yields a sample error of 6.9 per cent for a 95 per cent confidence level. The authors followed a two-step approach for structural equation modelling, using EQS 5.7 software to conduct the tests. Findings – Results suggest that competitive advantage in the hotel industry requires firm strategies focusing on Web 2.0, innovation capacity and organizational learning. This finding contributes to the strategic management field by offering an explanation of the differences in firm performance within a particular industry. Therefore, the findings mark an important contribution to the literature, introducing a new variable that mediates the relationship between Web 2.0 and firm performance. Originality/value – The results hold that Web 2.0 adoption is crucial for enhancing innovativeness, which is a fundamental source of sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, organizational learning also has a positive effect on innovativeness. Innovation, which is the essence of competitive advantage, is a key concept for firms nowadays.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1859-1880 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Obeso ◽  
Remedios Hernández-Linares ◽  
María Concepción López-Fernández ◽  
Ana María Serrano-Bedia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to analyze the individual influence of different knowledge management practises (KMP) on firm performance. Second, it aims to analyze the mediating role of organizational learning (OL) between each KMP and performance. Design/methodology/approach A telephone-survey was applied in 2018 to the managers of 400 Spanish firms. The data retrieved was analyzed by using multiple regression analysis. Findings Knowledge generation (KG) and knowledge flow (KF) promote firm performance, while there is not a direct association between knowledge storage and performance. OL mediates the relationship between KG and performance, as well as between KF and performance. Research limitations/implications First, this research confirms that not all the KMP have a direct effect on firm performance, thus, future research would need to differentiate between different KMP. Second, this paper is pioneering in providing empirical evidence that OL mediates the KMP – performance relationship. Third, the empirical study was performed in a context non-researched yet by the literature considering KMP individually: Spain. Practical implications First, besides the results managers should focus their efforts in practises related to KG and application. Second, OL mediating suggests that managers should invest in managerial commitment to promote a shared culture, shared vision, open-mind to new ideas and a lot of dialogue. Originality/value This is the first study that investigates how KMP contribute to firm performance by incorporating the mediating impact of OL. The results will help organizations to identify the KMP improving the performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia-Inés Sepúlveda-Rivillas ◽  
Joaquin Alegre ◽  
Victor Oltra

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate how knowledge-based organizational support (KOS) influences organizational performance through project management. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from a survey and from archival sources with a time lag for the dependent variable; structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The sample was made up of 106 organizations in Colombia, considering two key respondents from each organization: general manager and project manager. Findings Results show that KOS is an antecedent of project management and project performance. Furthermore, project management and project performance play a mediating role between KOS and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications Research limitations are the following: use of cross-sectional data with a time lag, one single unit of analysis, organizational performance analyzed only from a financial perspective. Despite these limitations, the paper puts forward relevant implications that bridge knowledge management and project management literature by clarifying the conditions under which knowledge organizational support generates a significant impact on organizational performance. Intellectual capital and knowledge management dynamic capabilities play a relevant role in this connection. Practical implications The findings have important practical implications: decision-makers are to allocate effectively hard and soft resources to configure a knowledge-based infrastructure, through the development of intellectual capital and knowledge management dynamic capabilities. Social implications The findings are generalizable to projects management in the context of non-government organizations or other social-oriented initiatives. Originality/value This study assumes and operationalizes organizational support from a knowledge-based perspective, represented by intellectual capital and knowledge management dynamic capabilities, providing empirical evidence of the way KOS influences organizational performance through project management and project performance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay K. Jain ◽  
Ana Moreno

Purpose – The study aims at investigating the impact of organizational learning (OL) on the firm’s performance and knowledge management (KM) practices in a heavy engineering organization in India. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 205 middle and senior executives working in the project engineering management division of a heavy engineering public sector organization. The organization manufactures power generation equipment. Questionnaires were administered to collect the data from the respondents. Findings – Results were analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis techniques. The findings showed that all the factors of OL, i.e. collaboration and team working, performance management, autonomy and freedom, reward and recognition and achievement orientation were found to be the positive predictors of different dimensions of firm’s performance and KM practices. Research limitations/implications – The implications are discussed to improve the OL culture to enhance the KM practices so that firm’s performance could be sustained financially or otherwise. The study is conducted in one division of a large public organization, hence generalizability is limited. Originality/value – This is an original study carried out in a large a heavy engineering organization in India that validates the theory of OL and KM in the Indian context.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Shea ◽  
Syed Aktharsha Usman ◽  
Sengottuvel Arivalagan ◽  
Satyanarayana Parayitam

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine knowledge management (KM) practices as a moderator in the relationship between organizational culture and performance. The effect of four types of organizational culture on organizational performance was studied. In addition to direct effects, most importantly, KM practices as a moderator in strengthening the culture-performance relationship were empirically examined. Design/methodology/approach A carefully crafted survey instrument was distributed and data was collected from 1,255 respondents from 10 information technology companies in India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, this paper performs hierarchical regression to test hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that: cooperative culture, innovative culture, consistent culture and effectiveness culture were all positively and significantly related to organizational performance; KM practices were positively and significantly related to organizational performance, KM practices moderate the relationship between various dimensions of organizational culture and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications As with any survey-based research, the present study suffers from the problems associated with self-report measures. These are common method bias and social desirability bias. However, this study attempts to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques. Practical implications This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on KM and organizational culture. The study suggests that managers use KM practices, which are all-pervasive and very important for improving organizational performance. The results highlight the importance of implementing KM practices in organizations. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the importance of KM practices in achieving sustained competitive advantage by achieving organizational effectiveness. To the knowledge, the importance of KM practices is underemphasized in organizational culture research.


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