Impacts of knowledge-based HRM, knowledge sharing and perceived organizational supports on innovation performance: a moderated-mediation analysis

Purpose Given the important role of knowledge resource for firms to pursuit innovation, this paper aims to investigate the influence of knowledge-based human resource management (HRM) practices on innovation performance through the mediating roles of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing (KS). This study also explores the potential moderating role of perceived organizational supports (POSs) in fostering the KS–innovation relationship of firms in the developing and emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach The relationship among the latent variables is empirically examined through 289 employees from 118 manufacturing and service firms. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were performed to validate the constructs and estimate the regression coefficients of relationships. Findings The empirical findings of this study support the mediating role of KS behaviors in the relationship between knowledge-based HRM practices and innovation performance. It highlights the important role of POSs in stimulating the influence of KS behaviors on innovation performance. Research limitations/implications Future research should investigate the impact of knowledge-based HRM practices on specific forms of innovation via the mediating effects of knowledge management processes to bring better understanding on the importance of knowledge resources in pursuing innovation competence. Originality/value The paper significantly contributes to enhancing understanding of the antecedent role of knowledge-based HRM practices in fostering KS behaviors and innovation performance under the moderating effects of POSs. Generally, it advances the body of comprehension of knowledge-based resources and innovation theory.