Can knowledge management processes support business transformation? The mediating role of business agility

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of knowledge management processes (KMPs) on business transformation (BT) as mediated by business agility (BA).Design/methodology/approachThe study is a quantitative, descriptive and analytical study. A two-stage sampling was selected. A total of 380 questionnaires were distributed using a self-administered survey to six companies representing the study context. A total of 362 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using SPSS and Path analysis (AMOS-22), with a response rate of 95.2%.FindingsThe study revealed that creation, storage, sharing and application of knowledge had statistically significant impact on BT. Moreover, the results revealed that BA had a positive effect on BT. Finally, this study confirms the mediating role of BA.Practical implicationsThis study has several practical implications. These include, but are not limited to, more focus on both the KMPs and BT dimensions to improve their levels. There is also a need to search for other factors that can support BT efforts to enhance the growth potential and survival of business organizations.Originality/valueThe study confirms that KMPs can facilitate transforming of business to cope with unending environmental changes. Considering the scarcity of the available empirical as well as theoretical studies within the Jordanian as well as the overall Arab countries context, the study and its findings are expected to provide some insights and useful contribution concerning the potential mediating impact of BA, which, as revealed by the literature review, has rarely been considered in previous studies. This could open the door for further research to understand the mechanisms of BT and its predictive variables.