Explaining the Effect of Strategic Orientation and Knowledge Absorption Capacity on Innovative Capabilities in Employees of Ministry of Sport and Youth with the Mediating Role of Strategic Flexibility

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strategic orientation and knowledge absorption capacity on innovation capabilities in the employees of Ministry of Sport and Youth with the mediating the role of strategic flexibility. The research method was descriptive-survey and applied in terms of objectives. The statistical population included all experts of the Ministry of Sport and Youth, and 273 subjects were randomly selected as the sample. For data collection, 4 standard questionnaires: strategic orientation questionnaire by Miles and Snow (1978), knowledge absorption capacity questionnaire by Zahara and George (2002), innovation capability questionnaire by Tsai (2001), and strategic flexibility questionnaire by Shimizu and Hit (2004) were used. After confirming the validity and reliability of the four questionnaires, structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis by the LISREL8.70   software were used to analyze data. The results of the structural equation modeling analysis showed that the model had a good fit and all the research paths were approved. The results showed that sport organizations should enhance their innovative capabilities using the collection of valuable information from external sources as well as taking advantage of the reactive ability in the environment in order to properly use the resources, avoid passivity and the ability to compete in the environment.