Bridging Knowledge and Competitiveness: The Mediating Role of Strategic Leadership in Organizational Success

This study investigates the mediating role of Strategic Leadership (SL) in the relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) and Organizational Competitiveness (OC) within real estate companies in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 211 employees across X firms (number specified), with a response rate of Y%, ensuring transparency of selection process. Acknowledge that employees are nested within firms, which may affect independence of responses.. The research instrument consisted of validated scales measuring KM, SL, and OC, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that KM significantly predicts SL (β = 0.62, p < 0.001), and SL, in turn, strongly influences OC (β = 0.58, p < 0.001). While KM exerts a direct positive effect on OC (β = 0.22, p = 0.016), the indirect effect via SL (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) is stronger, confirming the mediating role of leadership. Reliability and validity tests showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.88, CR > 0.90) and strong convergent and discriminant validity. The model explained 39% of the variance in SL and 54% in OC, indicating substantial explanatory power. The findings highlight that leadership is the key mechanism through which knowledge is transformed into competitive advantage. For real estate companies in Erbil, this suggests that KM initiatives should be integrated with leadership development programs to achieve sustainable competitiveness. The study contributes to the literature by extending the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) of the firm and provides practical guidance for managers in knowledge-driven industries.