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Exploring sustainability in start-ups: the impact of knowledge management on achieving sustainable goals

Simona Alfiero, Enrico Battisti, Niccolò Nirino, Armando Papa

Journal of Knowledge Management

ISSN: 1367-3270

Article publication date: 21 January 2025

79

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how knowledge management (KM) influences the achievement of sustainable objectives in new ventures, considering the mediating roles of board composition and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers primary and secondary data from 177 Italian start-ups. Data collection involved a standardized questionnaire to assess KM processes and sustainable practices, supplemented with secondary data on financial performance and the gender composition of the board of directors (BoD). The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationships between KM practices, gender diversity, financial performance, and sustainable outcomes.

Findings

The results reveal a significant positive impact of KM on firms’ sustainable practices. Specifically, gender diversity within the BoD and higher financial performance were identified as mediators in start-ups’ sustainability programs. Our study supports the hypothesis that KM practices influence sustainability, highlighting the critical role of specific practices such as knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

This study highlights the significance of KM in improving the sustainability performance of start-ups, addressing a research gap in the intersection between KM and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in new ventures. Furthermore, it highlights the pivotal roles of gender diversity and financial performance as critical factors mediating the relationship between KM and ESG practices.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The contribution of Armando Papa to this article is based on the study funded by the Basic Research Program of the HSE University.

Citation

Alfiero, S., Battisti, E., Nirino, N. and Papa, A. (2025), "Exploring sustainability in start-ups: the impact of knowledge management on achieving sustainable goals", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-06-2024-0741

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited

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