The effect of knowledge transfer on firm performance: An empirical study in knowledge‐intensive industries

Abstract

Purpose

This work aims to analyse the effect of a holistic business view, competency‐based management, continuous learning and information technology infrastructure on knowledge transfer and the subsequent effect on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation models and a survey of 222 firms from the Spanish biotechnology and telecommunications industries verify the mediator role of knowledge transfer.

Findings

The implications of confirming these hypotheses for managers are that by emphasising the creation of a holistic business view, competency‐based management, promoting continuous learning and improving information technology infrastructure, managers will improve knowledge transfer and positively influence the creation of superior firm performance.

Originality/value

It is shown that in knowledge‐intensive industries, knowledge transfer acts as a mediating variable between a holistic view of the firm, competency‐based management, continuous learning and information and communication technologies infrastructure and firm performance.

Citation

Palacios‐Marqués, D., Peris‐Ortiz, M. and Merigó, J.M. (2013), "The effect of knowledge transfer on firm performance: An empirical study in knowledge‐intensive industries", Management Decision, Vol. 51 No. 5, pp. 973-985. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-08-2012-0562