Fostering exploitative and exploratory innovation through HRM practices and knowledge management capability: the moderating effect of knowledge-centered culture

Purpose Given the important role of knowledge resource for organizational innovation, the purpose of this study is to examine the mediating mechanism of knowledge management capability (KMC) and the moderating role of knowledge-centered culture (KCC) in the relationship between human resource management (HRM) and firms’ innovation capabilities. Design/methodology/approach Analysis of moment structures and structural equation modeling are applied to examine the correlation among the constructs based on the survey data collected from 135 manufacturing firms. Findings The empirical findings reveal that KMC positively mediates the relationship between HRM practices and innovation capability. Especially, KCC of organization significantly fosters the impacts of HRM practices on KMC and aspects of innovation capability, namely, exploitative and exploratory innovation. Practical implications Chinese firms should invest in HRM practices and KMC to improve their innovation capabilities. In addition, developing KCC is suitable for Chinese firms to foster the effects of HRM practice on innovation capability. Originality/value By investigating the different moderated-mediation mechanisms, the paper has significantly contributed to advancing the body of knowledge of innovation theory and providing deeper insights on the correlation between HRM practices and firm’s capability for ambidextrous innovations.