Studying The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management an‎d Talent Strategy on The Profitability of Companies Listed in the Iraqi Stock Exchange

5/28/2026 12:00:00 AM

This thesis investigates the impact of Strategic Knowledge Management (SKM) an‎d Talent Management Strategy (TMS) on the profitability of companies listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX). The ISX, Iraqʹs primary securities market re-established in 2004, operates under the supervision of the Iraqi Securities Commission an‎d lists companies across multiple sectors including banking, insurance, industrial manufacturing, telecommunications, real estate, an‎d services. Grounded in the knowledge-based view, dynamic capabilities theory, an‎d human capital perspectives, the study examines how organizational knowledge processes an‎d talent systems—individually an‎d in combination—contribute to financial performance. Specifically, the research tests three hypotheses: (1) SKM is positively associated with profitability, (2) TMS is positively associated with profitability, an‎d (3) the integration of SKM an‎d TMS exerts a stronger, super-additive effect on profitability than either factor alone. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to employees in firms operating in Baghdad an‎d Najaf. The study measures SKM through knowledge creation, sharing, storage, an‎d application processes, while TMS is captured through indicators such as pivotal role identification, talent development, internal mobility, an‎d retention. Profitability is operationalized using perceptual measures aligned with stan‎dard financial indicators, including Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), an‎d Net Profit Margin. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both direct an‎d interaction effects. The findings confirm that both SKM an‎d TMS have significant positive relationships with profitability. More importantly, the interaction between SKM an‎d TMS demonstrates a stronger combined effect, supporting the argument that aligned organizational systems of knowledge an‎d talent produce superior financial outcomes. The results highlight that firms benefit most when knowledge processes are embedded in routines an‎d supported by capable individuals occupying strategically important roles. This study contributes to the literature by empirically integrating knowledge management an‎d talent strategy within a single performance framework, particularly in the under-researched context of Iraqi firms. Practically, it offers actionable insights for managers, emphasizing the importance of aligning knowledge practices with talent systems to achieve sustainable profitability. Limitations an‎d directions for future research are also discussed.

مديريت , مديريت دانش , استراتژي استعداد , سودآوري

Management , Knowledge Management , Talent Strategy , Profitability

Sarmad Al-Fatli

Dr. Amir Zakeri