Quality Management and Environmental Management: Role of Knowledge Transfer and Organizational Innovation in Knowledge-Based Firms

While knowledge-based firms pay much attention to quality management and environmental management, they pay little attention to transferring external knowledge into the organization, transferring internal knowledge to the outside of the organization, and transferring and localizing innovation within the organization. The role of knowledge transfer and organizational innovation in quality management and environmental management is the focus of this study. This research contributes to a better understanding of the function of organizational innovation and knowledge transfer as a strategic source and competitive advantage in today’s competitive and evolving era. The results of this research could be expanded upon and applied in all types of knowledge-based firms inside and outside of Iran. The literature review shows that all previous studies were conducted in developed countries and emerging economies. This study, however, was carried out in Iran, as a developing country, with a focus on concepts such as quality, environment, knowledge, and innovation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between quality management and environmental management with a focus on the role of organizational knowledge and innovation transfer among managers of knowledge-based firms in science and technology parks and eight provinces were randomly selected as sample clusters in Islamic Republic of Iran Country. This research has been finalized in 2021. A conceptual model was designed in the light of theoretical literature and logical theory. Six hypotheses were formulated. The data were collected using a questionnaire and then analyzed through the Structural Equation Model. The results showed positive and significant relationships between quality management and environmental management; quality management and knowledge transfer; knowledge transfer and environmental management; quality management and organizational innovation; and organizational innovation and environmental management. The results further proved that there is a direct and significant relationship between knowledge transfer and organizational innovation. The current research showed that environmental management and quality management are relevant approaches to promote the productivity of knowledge-based firms, with a focus on the role of knowledge transfer and organizational innovation in achieving goals and missions.