The influence of shared knowledge on the relationship between transformational leadership and open innovation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2026.v26i2.3342

Keywords:

Conhecimento compartilhado; Liderança transformacional; Inovação aberta.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the mediating effect of shared knowledge in the relationship between transformational leadership and open innovation in a technology-based company.

Methodology/procedures: This is a descriptive study, using survey research with a quantitative approach. The sample comprises 304 employees without leadership positions. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and the coefficient of variation were applied to summarize variables. Linear regression and the Sobel test were used to assess the mediating effect of shared knowledge.

Originality/Relevance: The study fills a theoretical gap by examining the relationship between transformational leadership and open innovation mediated by shared knowledge, a topic still little explored in technology-based companies.

Main findings: Organizational knowledge is an essential asset for companies, and its proper management is crucial for new discoveries. Transformational leadership creates conditions for professionals to feel safe, motivated, and challenged to generate and share knowledge. Open innovation programs allow this knowledge to be disseminated, generating new insights.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: The research highlights the mediating role of shared knowledge in the relationship between transformational leadership and open innovation. It demonstrates the relevance of statistical models, such as linear regression and the Sobel test, to understand organizational phenomena. It contributes to the literature by showing how knowledge management can be operationalized in open innovative contexts.

Social/managerial contributions: The study shows the benefits of transformational leadership in encouraging employees to seek and disseminate ideas and knowledge, strengthening communities and expanding social impacts. It also contributes to UN Agenda 2030 Goals 8 and 9, promoting innovation and scientific research.

Author Biographies

Marcos Roberto Da Cruz, Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau

Master’s in Business Administration (Innovation track) at FURB (2024), Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Unisociesc (2021), and Technical degree in Logistics from Senai (2014). I have professional experience in the Financial, Logistics, and Technology areas. I have been working in the technology sector for over 10 years, with activities related to customer service, consulting, business analysis, project management, knowledge management, and software asset governance (licensing).

Adriana Kroenke Hein, Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau

Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (2007), a Master’s degree in Accounting Sciences (2009) from the Regional University of Blumenau, and a PhD in Numerical Methods and Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (2014). She has been a faculty member of the Department of Mathematics at the Regional University of Blumenau since 2010. Currently, she serves as a permanent professor in the Graduate Program in Administration and in the Graduate Program in Accounting Sciences at the same institution. Her research interests focus on multivariate data analysis, multicriteria decision analysis, and performance evaluation. She is also a member of the MULTIVAR research group, affiliated with the Spanish Group of Multicriteria Decision (GEDM).

Leomar Santos, Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Regional University of Blumenau – FURB (1989), a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same institution (1998), and a PhD in Knowledge Engineering and Management from the Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC (2008). He is currently a Full Professor at the Regional University of Blumenau (FURB) and Director of Atuação Consulting, working in consulting for Knowledge and Business Management. He has extensive experience in the field of Business Administration, with emphasis on Supply Chain Management, focusing primarily on the following areas: Industrial Logistics, Logistics, International Logistics, Supply Management, storage systems, business process modeling, Knowledge Management, General Administration, and Information and Communication Technology.

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Published

2026-06-23

How to Cite

Da Cruz, M. R., Rodrigues da Cruz, D., Kroenke Hein, A., & Santos, L. (2026). The influence of shared knowledge on the relationship between transformational leadership and open innovation. Revista Gestão & Tecnologia, 26(2), 119–149. https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2026.v26i2.3342

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Vol. 26 No. 2 (2026)

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