The relationship between knowledge management process, innovation and firm performance: A research in Turkish Telecommunications industry

The main objective of the study is to examine the detailed effects of knowledge management (KM) processes (knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, knowledge usage and knowledge storage) on firm innovativeness (product, process, organizational and marketing innovation) and effects of firm innovativeness on firm performance. This study examines structural reforms concerning important factors of today's knolwedge based economy: knowledge management and innovation in telecommunications industry which is one of the fastest growing industries in recent years both in the world and in Turkey. The research is conducted on the basis of IT supported knowledge management network of Turk Telekom Antalya Branch that has been in use since 2014. Findings suggest that knowledge management process have significant positive effect on innovation types, in particular the increase in knowledge usage increased product and process innovation. Moreover it is observed that stored knowledge and acquired new knowledge management has positive and significant effect on firm performance, especially the increase in knowledge acquision and sharing has increased the firm performance. Additionally, it is found that product, process and marketing innovation has positive and significant effect on firm performance, however the results showed insignificant relationship between organizational innovation and firm performance. Keywords: Knowledge Management Process, İnnovation, Firm Performance, Turkish Telecommunications İndustry