Study of the Role of Knowledge Management Components on Research and Development Activities in the Oil Industry

Companies are increasingly leveraging their research and development (R&D) functions, utilizing the diverse knowledge dispersed across global networks of emerging and developed markets. This research stream emphasizes not only knowledge acquisition but also the utilization and development of new products. Knowledge and its components can play a fundamental role in the successful execution of R&D activities. This study aims to investigate the role of knowledge management components on R&D activities in the oil industry. Initially, a conceptual model and research hypotheses were developed through a review of the theoretical literature and previous studies. To test the research hypotheses, the statistical population consisted of managers and experts from an active company in the oil industry, numbering approximately 135 individuals. Based on Cochran's formula, the sample size was determined to be 100 individuals, and questionnaires were distributed among them. The questions in this questionnaire were adapted from reliable sources, and their validity and reliability were confirmed. Given the non-normal distribution of the data, Partial Least Squares (PLS) and SmartPLS 2 software were used for statistical analyses. Based on the significance values related to the hypotheses, all four were confirmed. The impact levels of knowledge creation, application, exchange, and retention on R&D activities were 0.884, 0.905, 0.748, and 0.625, respectively. Therefore, the most significant recommendation of this research is to focus on teamwork, where knowledge exchange occurs, fostering creativity and innovation, thereby enhancing the success of R&D activities.