Effect of top management knowledge value, knowledge-oriented culture and rewards on innovation performance and quality: the bridging contribution of knowledge-sharing process

Purpose Currently, innovation performance (IP) and innovation quality (IQ) are essential intertwined constructs that help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive in a competitive business environment and achieve long-term success and sustainability. This paper aims to examine the effect of top management knowledge values (TMKVs), knowledge-oriented culture (KOC) and rewards on IP and IQ through knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a deductive cross-sectional data approach and a standardized questionnaire adopted from the literature to obtain responses from the employees of Egyptian manufacturing SMEs. The authors based this study’s findings on 316 usable samples by applying the purposive sampling technique. Findings Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with path analysis using SmartPLS4, the findings of this study demonstrate that TMKV positively affects IP but not IQ. On the one hand, the KOC and knowledge-sharing process (KSP) are positive enablers of IP and IQ. On the other hand, knowledge-based reward (KBR) has an insignificant effect on IP and IQ. Moreover, while KSP mediates TMKV’s and KOC’s connections with IP and IQ, it does not mediate KBR’s relationship with IP and IQ. Practical implications This study’s findings will help policymakers and planners create strategies through knowledge management to improve employees’ vision, commitment and dedication, culminating in a favourable impact on IP and IQ. These findings highlight the need to foster a knowledge-based culture that promotes communication networks, establishes trust and enables individuals to make decisions to enhance organizational success, IP and IQ. Originality/value In the case of a developing country, this study helps to fill the gaps by offering an integrated framework that simultaneously explores knowledge management enablers, IP and IQ.