Investigating the impact of knowledge management on operational performance through innovation (Case study: Directorate General of Khorramshahr Port and Maritime)

Since innovation is one of the most important ways to improve organizational performance, knowledge management enables the innovation to grow dramatically, by providing a platform for knowledge development (KM) in the organization. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of KM on operational performance directly and through innovation. In this study, for measurement of KM dimensions (transfer, storage, application, and creation) and innovation dimensions (marketing, process, organization and production) and, finally, the dimensions of operational performance (speed, cost, quality and flexibility) are considered. The population of this applied research consists of 420 employees of the Khorramshahr Port Authority and Maritime Administration. 291 people were selected using the Cochran formula for limited communities and a questionnaire was provided to them. The data gathering tool was questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire’s content was confirmed by the experts and academic professors, and its structure was assessed through analysis. Confirmatory factor was reviewed. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were performed using SPSS 22 software and structural equation modeling (PLS). The results showed that KM improves innovation and operational performance. Also, KM indirectly through innovation improves operational performance. On the other hand, innovation increases operational performance