Influences of collaborative culture and knowledge management on product and process innovation: the moderating role of information technology utilization

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of collaborative culture on product and process innovation via mediating role of knowledge management and moderating role of information technology utilization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used structural equation modeling to examine the level of how collaborative culture and knowledge management practices (KMC) affect two types of innovation capabilities, namely, product innovation and process innovation, using data collected from 313 participants in 128 manufacturing and service firms.FindingsThe research findings highlight positive mediating role of KMC between collaborative culture and two specific forms of innovation. In addition, the paper first confirms the moderating role of information technology utilization in the relationships between KMC and process innovation capability. The results underline the necessity of building a collaborative culture to enhance KMC for promoting innovation capabilities in an organization.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore the influence of potential benefits and values of collaborative culture on other strategic or behavioral factor to produce better innovation competence for firms.Practical implicationsThis paper offers CEOs/leaders a deeper understanding of the effects of key antecedents, mechanisms and processes to promote product and process innovation in their firms.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in the attempts to provide a prospective solution for firms to pursue and improve innovation by its meaningful insights on the mediating role of KMC and moderating effect of information technology utilization in the relationship between collaborative culture and specific dimensions of innovation capability.