Enabling innovative ability: knowledge sharing as a mediator

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among job satisfaction, workplace friendship, knowledge sharing and service innovation. Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study that targets electronic information engineers at the science parts located in Taipei, Hsinchu and Tainan ( n =851), utilizing a survey questionnaire as the data collection instrument to test the relationship among the four dimensions. Findings – The results indicated that: first, both job satisfaction and workplace friendship have demonstrated a significant effect on service innovation; second, knowledge sharing significantly moderates the effect of job satisfaction and workplace friendship on service innovation. Originality/value – The present study adds value by examining the moderating effect of knowledge sharing. The results can contribute to the strategic planning of human resource development in order to enhance the capability of service innovation in the technological industry.