The Mediating Role of Organizational Learning Capability on the Relationship between Knowledge Sharing and Organizational Innovation Capability

Abstract

Extended Abstract Innovation plays an important role in the economic development of individuals, organizations and societies and those who do not keep pace with the rapid changes would probably fail to prosper (Liao, Fei & Liu, 2008: 185). Knowledge sharing is one of the most important factors that leads to innovation. When employees share their knowledge with coworkers, learning opportunities’ possibility increases (Zhou & Li, 2012: 1904). Organizational learning capability is recognized as another important influential factor in organizational innovation (Sheng & Chien, 2016: 2302) and have a significant part in improving organizational performance (Chung, Yang & Huang, 2015, 1217). This study investigates the mediating role of organizational learning capability between knowledge sharing and organizational innovation capability. Case study The cases of study are all employees Agriculture Jihad of Torbat-e-Heydariyeh, Zaveh and Mahvelat. Materials and Methods The population of study included all employees of Agriculture Jihad of Torbat-e-Heydariyeh, Zaveh and Mahvelat and stratified sampling method was applied. The sample of study was determined 107 by Morgan table. The data was collected by three standard questionnaires developed by Chung et al (2015), Sheng and Chien (2016) and Hau, Kim, Lee, and Kim, (2013). Face validity of questionnaire was approved by several specialists. Construct validity was confirmed by average variance extracted (AVE) and transverse loads test. The reliability of questionnaire was approved by Cronbach's alpha and combination coefficient (Dillon- Goldstein). To investigate the reliability of items in partial least squares method, loading test was applied. Most items had loading factor higher than the minimum level 7/0. Normality of variables were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling with partial least squares approach was performed using SMART-PLS. Conclusion The results of H1 indicated that there is a positive significant relationship between knowledge sharing and organizational innovation capability. Therefore, managers of these organizations are recommended to take steps to strengthen knowledge sharing. According to the results of H2, organizational learning capability mediated the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation capability. It demonstrates Agriculture Jihad of Torbat-e-Heydariyeh, Zaveh and Mahvelat has considered organizational learning capability. Therefore, to improve the organization innovation capability, it is recommended to managers to define some plans for knowledge sharing between employees and use high organizational learning capability to increase innovation capability.

Keywords

• organization innovation capability
• organization learning capability
• knowledge sharing