What affect the contribution of it to firm performance? an exploratory study in China

This paper integrates the strategic management perspectives of ldquoresource-basedrdquo and ldquopositioningrdquo to simultaneously examine the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) and the moderating effect of industry setting on the performance impact of information technology (IT). Data collected from 236 firms operating in China replicated and extended research findings of previous studies, based on structural model equations. Consistent with previous studies, KM capability was found to be a partial mediator of the IT-performance relationship. Extending previous studies, industry setting was found to be a moderator of the IT-performance and IT-KM capability relationships. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed accordingly.