KNOWLEDGE-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE WORKER PERFORMANCE IN IT ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

In the era of accelerated digital transformation, organizations face increasing pressure to innovate while sustaining long-term performance. This study investigates the role of Knowledge-Oriented Leadership (KOL) in driving Sustainable Performance (SP), particularly through the mediating mechanism of Knowledge Worker Performance (KWP), within IT-intensive environments. Grounded in the Path-Goal Theory of leadership, the research conceptualizes KOL as a strategic leadership model that leverages organizational knowledge as a core resource for innovation, motivation, and performance. Using a sample of 550 respondents from IT-driven firms, the study employed quantitative analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships among KOL, KWP, and SP. Results demonstrated excellent internal consistency for all scales (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.87). Correlation analysis revealed strong, positive associations among the constructs (r > 0.82, p < .01). Regression analysis confirmed that both KOL and KWP significantly predict SP (R² = .820), with KWP exerting a slightly stronger standardized influence (β = .528) than KOL (β = .419). Mediation analysis further confirmed that KWP partially mediates the relationship between KOL and SP, with a significant indirect effect (effect = 0.4075, 95% CI [.3531, .4619]). These findings underscore the critical role of knowledge-oriented leadership in cultivating high-performing knowledge workers, thereby enabling sustainable organizational outcomes in digitally dynamic contexts.