The key role of knowledge-oriented leadership regarding to knowledge management practices in innovation performance of manufacturing and commercial companies of Guilan province

Abstract

In the new business environment that is characterized by turbulence and increasing complexity, the ability to establish and maintain a company's competitive advantage lies in its knowledge. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of knowledge oriented leadership on the innovation performance regarding to the role of knowledge management practices in manufacturing and commercial companies of Guilan province. The research is applied in terms of objective, and its methodology is descriptive. The population of study included manufacturing and commercial companies of Guilan province. To select a sample, convenience method was used. According to the Cochrane limited formula, total of 282 people were selected. Cronbach's alpha for reliability of the questionnaire was used. In this study, data were analyzed, by descriptive analysis, structural equation modeling and path analysis using SPSS 22 and Lisrel 8.50. Findings suggest that knowledge-oriented leadership has effect on creation of knowledge and application knowledge. Knowledge creation and application of knowledge has effect on the innovation performance. It was found that knowledge management practices has a mediating role in the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and innovation performance.