Assessing the nexus between knowledge management and firm performance: A data article

Abstract

This data article highlights the contingent role of company size in the relationship between knowledge management practices and firm performance. It also investigates the possible direct impact of these practices on performance. Data was collected from managers in large and medium-sized industrial companies in Jordan, using a self-administered questionnaire. 170 responses were obtained, 91 from medium-sized companies and 79 from large companies. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to ensure the validity and reliability of the measurement model. Multiple group structural equation modeling was used to check for significant differences in the path coefficients of the research model. The fitness indicators of the multi-group model showed that there was no significant difference in the interpretation of the measurement model; also, the path model was equivalent for both large and medium-sized companies. Testing the hypotheses showed that the application of knowledge has the greatest explanatory power for performance, whether in medium or large companies; however, for knowledge capturing the explanatory power on performance was only for medium-sized companies, and there was no effect on large companies. Moreover, the acquisition and sharing of knowledge had no statistically significant effect on performance in either group.