Exploring the mediating role of innovation in the effect of the knowledge management process on performance

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to explore the mediating role of innovation components in the relationship between knowledge management processes and performance. The research questions were investigated through questionnaires with top-level managers of a firm operating in the Turkish telecommunication industry. The results of the study indicated that knowledge management processes affect all innovation components. In addition to the direct effects of the knowledge management process on firm performance, marketing, product and process innovation are mediators in the relationship between the knowledge management process and performance. Finally, this research sheds light on how firms can manage their knowledge to gain a competitive advantage based on innovation.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge management processes
• innovation
• performance
• Turkish telecommunication industry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Eren Durmuş-Özdemir is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Business Administration, Akdeniz University, Turkey. She received her PhD degree in management from the Akdeniz University, Turkey. Her main interests include strategic management, innovation management, environmental management, competitive strategy and knowledge management. She also serves as a member of the editor committee of the Universal Journal of Management. She has published articles in various journals and proceedings of international conferences, including Procedia-Social and Behavioural Sciences, Italian Journal of Animal Science, Eurasia Business and Economics Society and European Group for Organizational Studies.

Khamroz Abdukhoshimov obtained his BA in finance from Tashkent Financial Institute (Uzbekistan) and his MBA from Akdeniz University (Turkey). His main interests include knowledge management, innovation, performance, asset management and financial markets.