Abstract
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to investigate the mechanism of knowledge management within multinationals during the post COVID-19 era, with particular consideration given to the relationship between the cultural
intelligence of top managers and knowledge-oriented leadership using fear of COVID-19 as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach – Derived from upper echelons’ theory and research on knowledge management success (KMS), a theoretical model and associated hypotheses have been developed and tested. Structural equation modeling was used with statistics collected from 288 top managers and executives of multinational corporations dominated by knowledge-intensive industries through a network investigation.
Findings – Results indicate that the levels of executives’ cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership contribute to KMS, while knowledge-oriented leadership acts as a mediator between them. In addition, the fear of COVID-19 of senior executives negatively affects both the direct and mediated influence of cultural intelligence on KMS.
Research limitations/implications – The current research uses an empirical approach to examine cross-border KMS. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive measurement tools for KMS and more detailed research by further developing the sub-dimensions of cultural intelligence. In addition, this
paper used cross-sectional research that limits the capability to establish causal relationships over time.
Originality/value – The research explores the ‘‘human side’’ of the key antecedents of KMS, fills the gap in research about the impact of cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership on the achievement of KMS, paves the way for emerging knowledge-oriented leadership from the initial phase to the mature phase and contributes to the literature on environmental uncertainty and crisis, using the COVID-19 as a representative context.
Keywords Multinational corporations, Knowledge management success, Cultural intelligence, Knowledge-oriented leadership, Fear of COVID-19
Paper type Research paper
Purpose – This study aims to investigate the mechanism of knowledge management within multinationals during the post COVID-19 era, with particular consideration given to the relationship between the cultural
intelligence of top managers and knowledge-oriented leadership using fear of COVID-19 as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach – Derived from upper echelons’ theory and research on knowledge management success (KMS), a theoretical model and associated hypotheses have been developed and tested. Structural equation modeling was used with statistics collected from 288 top managers and executives of multinational corporations dominated by knowledge-intensive industries through a network investigation.
Findings – Results indicate that the levels of executives’ cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership contribute to KMS, while knowledge-oriented leadership acts as a mediator between them. In addition, the fear of COVID-19 of senior executives negatively affects both the direct and mediated influence of cultural intelligence on KMS.
Research limitations/implications – The current research uses an empirical approach to examine cross-border KMS. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive measurement tools for KMS and more detailed research by further developing the sub-dimensions of cultural intelligence. In addition, this
paper used cross-sectional research that limits the capability to establish causal relationships over time.
Originality/value – The research explores the ‘‘human side’’ of the key antecedents of KMS, fills the gap in research about the impact of cultural intelligence and knowledge-oriented leadership on the achievement of KMS, paves the way for emerging knowledge-oriented leadership from the initial phase to the mature phase and contributes to the literature on environmental uncertainty and crisis, using the COVID-19 as a representative context.
Keywords Multinational corporations, Knowledge management success, Cultural intelligence, Knowledge-oriented leadership, Fear of COVID-19
Paper type Research paper
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Knowledge Management |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Jun 2024 |
