Transformational Leadership and Knowledge Sharing: Determinants of Firm’s Operational and Financial Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of transformational leadership and knowledge-sharing processes on operational and financial performance in Chinese firms. The article applied structural equation modeling to inspect the influence of transformational leadership on knowledge sharing and their effects on organizational performance, based on the data collected from 263 respondents in 112 manufacturing and service companies in China. The findings show that knowledge collecting and knowledge donating mediate the correlation between transformational leadership and two specific aspects of organizational performance. In addition, transformational leadership has a greater influence on financial performance, whereas knowledge sharing is more significantly associated with operational performance. This article highlights the significance of practicing transformational leadership to stimulate individuals’ knowledge-sharing behaviors, which are important prerequisites for improving organizational performance. The article provides clearer understanding for scholars and practitioners about the new and effective pathway to promote firm’s operational and financial performance.