Knowledge management practices and green innovation in SMES: the role of environmental awareness towards environmental sustainability

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of knowledge management dimensions (i.e. knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness) on green innovation. The study also seeks to determine whether these relationships are mediated by the environmental awareness in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from a sample of 194 SMEs (two informants from each firm that consist of 388 top managers) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In this cross-sectional study, convenience random sampling was used. The positivism approach was adopted using a hypothetical statistical induction method. Validated measurement scales were used to measure the study constructs adopted from previous studies. Data were analysed using a quantitative approach with Smart partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) 3.0. Findings The results of the study indicated a positive and significant association between knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness with green innovation. Moreover, the data analysis confirmed that environmental awareness mediates the relationship between knowledge dissemination and green innovation. However, no mediation role of environmental awareness in the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge responsiveness with green innovation was found. Practical implications Knowing how to manage knowledge effectively is considered to be one of the most important aspects of green innovations. Nonetheless, there was a dearth of literature highlighting the relevance of knowledge management for long-term organisational success. The results of this study present practical implications for SME professionals. Green innovation with the support of environmental awareness may help a firm understand and implement the importance of knowledge management into their administrative operations. They can subsequently become eco-innovative ecologically, economically and socially. Originality/value This is one of the very few studies that examine the effect of knowledge management dimensions (knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination and knowledge responsiveness) on green innovation in UAE SMEs.