The mediating effect of innovation on the relationship between knowledge management and resilience in Uganda’s public hospitals: a case of national referral hospitals (Mulago, Kawempe, and Kiruddu)

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between knowledge management and the resilience of public hospitals in Uganda. The specific objectives included examining the relationship between knowledge management and resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda, establishing the relationship between innovation and resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda, and examining the mediating role of innovation in the relationship between knowledge management and resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda. The research adopted a cross-sectional design exclusively employing quantitative research methods. The study population consists Mulago, Kiruddu, and Kawempe National referral hospitals. The study used a sample size of 85 respondents, selected using stratified and simple random sampling. The study employed a questionnaire to collect quantitative data from the selected respondents. Correlational analysis was used to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between variables. The study tested for the mediation effect using the hierarchical regression model following the steps proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986). The model findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between knowledge management and the resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda (Estimate=0.801, P-value=0.000<0.05). The model findings also revealed a statistically significant positive association between innovation and the resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda (Estimate=0.711, P-value=0.001<0.05). The study further found a partial mediating role of innovation in the relationship between knowledge management and the resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda. The study concludes that innovation plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between knowledge management and the resilience of national referral hospitals in Uganda. This highlights the significance of fostering innovative practices within healthcare institutions, as it serves as a pivotal factor in enhancing their ability to effectively navigate challenges and maintain resilience. As for recommendations, national referral hospitals should focus on improving their knowledge management practices by implementing structured systems for collecting, sharing, and utilizing knowledge. National referral hospitals should also actively cultivate an organizational culture that values and encourages innovation. This includes promoting openness to new ideas, supporting creative problem-solving, and allowing employees to experiment with innovative practices without fear of failure. National referral hospitals should further prioritize the implementation of robust knowledge management systems to ensure that relevant information is effectively collected, stored, and disseminated. This foundation will support innovative practices that can enhance resilience.