Knowledge-based HRM practices to foster knowledge sharing and innovation performance: the moderating role of competitive intensity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of knowledge-based human resource management (HRM) on innovation performance via the mediating roles of aspects of knowledge sharing (KS) in terms of tacit and explicit knowledge. This study also investigates the potential moderating role of competitive intensity in promoting the influence of KS behavior on innovation performance of firms in developing and emerging nations. Design/methodology/approach The relationships between the latent factors were empirically tested using 281 employees from 113 randomly selected manufacturing and service companies. This study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to validate the constructs and estimate the regression coefficients of relationships. In addition, the mediation and moderation of the latent variables were analyzed and tested through statistical tests performed with the support of AMOS 22 and SPSS 22. Findings The empirical findings confirm the mediating role of KS behaviors in connecting knowledge-based HRM practices and innovation performance. Competitive intensity is found to be an important situational factor in stimulating the influence of KS on innovation performance. Research limitations/implications Given the important role of knowledge resources, future studies should continue to explore the impact of knowledge-based HRM practices on innovation performance through the mediating effects of knowledge management processes to help firms obtain more options and solutions to promote innovation. Originality/value The paper significantly contributes to enhancing the insights on the antecedent role of knowledge-based HRM practices in fostering KS behaviors and innovation performance under the moderating effects of competitive intensity. It offers new insights and theoretical initiatives that enrich the knowledge-based HRM practices, knowledge management and innovation literature.