Knowledge-Oriented Leadership and Innovation Performance: Does Knowledge Management Capacity Mediate The Relationship?
Keywords:
innovation performance, knowledge management capacity, knowledge-oriented leadership, HEIs.Abstract
Purpose — This study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovation performance and explore the mediating role of knowledge management capacity and their impact on innovation performance at Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA) in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach — Questionnaire data were collected from 132 structural officials at Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions (PTMA) in Southeast Sulawesi province, Indonesia. This study used a quantitative method with a Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) approach using smartPLS4 software (version 4.1.1.8) to analyze the data and test the hypothesis.
Findings — The results revealed that knowledge-oriented leadership has a significant effect on the knowledge management capacity. Likewise, the influence of the knowledge management capacity on innovation performance is also significant. However, different findings are found in the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovation performance, which does not have a significant impact. However, the mediating role of the knowledge management capacity can change the relationship to be significant.
Practical implications — If knowledge-oriented leaders want to achieve high innovation performance, they must first be able to strengthen the knowledge management capacity within universities. This is due to the inability of knowledge-oriented leadership to improve innovation performance directly; it must instead mediate through the knowledge management capacity.
Originality/value — This study found a weak relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovation performance. However, when mediated by knowledge management capacity, the relationship becomes stronger. These findings suggest that to improve innovation performance, strengthening the knowledge management capacity is essential.
