Knowledge management and the competitiveness of small construction firms: Innovation as mediator
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the mediating effects of innovation on the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from small construction firms in the Eastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 190 construction firms surveyed, 153 (80.5%) respondents returned their completed questionnaire. These were used for data analysis. The data were then analyzed using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
Knowledge management had a direct and significant positive effect on firm competitiveness. Nonetheless, the effect of knowledge management on firm competitiveness was mediated by innovation. This indicates that knowledge management should be supported by technical and administrative innovations in the firm.
Research limitations/implications
The data collected were from a limited sample of construction firms. In addition, conducting a study on a region of Malaysia may limit the generalizability of the model.
Practical implications
While knowledge management is crucial for a firm’s competitiveness, technical and administrative innovations must be concurrently improved for a stronger firm competitiveness. This is especially true in terms of financial strength and core competence.
Originality/value
This paper provides some empirical evidence that technical and administrative innovations fully mediated the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. The results consolidate the resource-based view on the importance of internal resource and capability of the firm and improve KM research area. It also strengthens the view that KM is a critical factor for firm competitiveness, but a good KM without strong innovation will not increase the competitiveness of small construction firms.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper was substantially adapted from the second author’s thesis, submitted to the Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan for the fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Entrepreneurship.
Citation
Mohamad, M.R. and Mat Zin, N. (2019), "Knowledge management and the competitiveness of small construction firms: Innovation as mediator", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 534-550. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-03-2018-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited