The impact of knowledge management on innovation through moderating organizational factors of human resources and technology in knowledge-based companies

The factors of the effect of knowledge management activities on innovation can be categorized into two groups: organizational-human factors including knowledge-centered organizational culture, knowledge-oriented leadership and knowledge-based human resources management; and information technology factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the moderating role of human- organizational and information technology factors in the impact of knowledge management activities on innovation. This study was an applied survey which used a questionnaire to gather data. The sample of this study consisted of knowledge-based companies of Mashhad, located in the Science and Technology Park and Incubator of Ferdowsi University. Out of 125 active knowledge-based companies, 89 were selected through random sampling. To test the hypotheses, multiple regression method was used. The results indicate that although knowledge management activities influence innovation positively, when moderating variables such as human-organizational factors are available to overcome human barriers of innovation and knowledge management, and when technological factors are present to empower knowledge management and innovation, the organization can reach some higher levels of innovation.