Modelling the relationship between intelligence, knowledge management and innovation among knowledge workers in Malaysia

Abstract

This thesis examines one of the important aspects of the relationship between knowledge management and innovation - the influence of the people. From the literature review, it is discovered that most studies examined the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and innovation at an organizational or administrative level. This study took a different approach by researching the relationship between KM and innovation at an individual level. It aims to complement the understanding of the relationship between KM and innovation by examining the influence of individual human intelligence (i.e. Intellectual Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), and Spiritual Quotient (SQ)) on their KM practices and innovation performance. To do that, seven hypotheses were formulated and tested to achieve the research objectives. This study employed an empirical approach to explore the relationship between the human intelligence, KM and innovation. The data collection process using a survey questionnaire involved a total of six centers and 101 valid samples. The questionnaire comprises of questions measuring respondents’ IQ, EQ, SQ, perceived KM and innovation performance. The results of analysis using Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) showed that EQ and SQ have a significant effect on KM and innovation while IQ did not. It is also found that KM has a significant impact on innovation. Therefore, it is suggested that EQ and SQ should become another focus area for KM practitioners and researchers in understanding the relationship between knowledge management and innovation. Knowledge workers in organisations are also encouraged to improve their EQ and SQ in order to improve their KM and innovation performance.