The mediating role of knowledge management in the effect of top managers' external social networks on the strategic flexibility and organizational resilience of the business: An application in hotel businesses

This research aims to determine the mediating role of knowledge management in the effect of top managers' external social networks on the strategic flexibility and organizational resilience of the hotel business. For this purpose, firstly, the sample and method of the research were determined. Quantitative data collection technique used in the research. The data obtained by survey technique from top managers of five-star hotel businesses operating in Istanbul and Antalya. Two different statistical programs are used to analyze the obtained data. Within the scope of the research, 400 valid surveys are analyzed. In the study, firstly, EFA (explanatory factor analysis) and CFA (confirmatory factor analysis) analyzes were conducted for the reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and construct validity of the scales. Cause and effect relationships between the variables in the theoretical model tested with the structural equation modeling technique. According to the findings obtained via the analysis, it has been determined that knowledge management has a full mediating effect on the effect of external social networks of top managers on the strategic flexibility and organizational resilience of the business. On the other hand, relationships between external social networks and knowledge management, external social networks and strategic flexibility, external social network and organizational resilience, knowledge management and strategic flexibility, and knowledge management and organizational resilience are statistically positive and significant