The Effect of Knowledge Absorptive Capacity on Green Innovation Performance with the mediating role of Unlearning and moderating role of Relationship Learning

This study aimed to find the factors affecting green innovation performance (GIP). Utilizing an applied deductive approach with a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design, this study was conducted on a statistical population consisting of all employees at Borzouyeh Petrochemical Company (BPC), Bushehr Province, Iran (n=340), of whom 180 individuals were selected as the statistical sample using the Krejcie and Morgan Table, and were then randomly assigned to complete the questionnaires on knowledge absorptive capacity (KAP, Minbaeva et al., 2010, 2003), KAP developed by Lichtenthaler (2009), GIP (Chen et al., 2006), unlearning measurement designed by Becker (2008), and relationship learning (Selnes & Sallis, 2003). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for all questionnaires was also greater than 0.7. Moreover, the face and content validity of the given scales were established based on expert opinions, and the construct validity was confirmed via factor analysis. Data analysis was further fulfilled using the SPSS-22 and SmartPLS-3 software as well as structural equation modeling (SEM). The study findings validated the fit of the analytical model and approved the research hypotheses. The results correspondingly highlighted the importance of KAP to develop the GIP process to create a competitive advantage since it could improve organizational performance against competitors, and unlearning could aid the organization to develop new skills to adapt, through changing constantly according to new environmental needs, and learn to communicate by information exchange/sharing to boost GIP