The role of creation mode and social networking mode in knowledge creation performance: Mediation effect of creation process

•Effects of creation mode and networking mode on creation performance are examined.•Mediation role creation process plays is examined.•Web topology significantly influences product or service creation.•Goal-driven significantly influences product or service creation.•Process with web topology has a mediation function when goal-driven mode is adopted.

This study proposes and empirically examines a research model that incorporates the knowledge creation mode and social networking mode to describe knowledge creation performance. The mediation effect of the knowledge creation process is explored in terms of socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (SECI). The data collected from the manufacturing and service industries in Taiwan were analyzed. The goal-driven mode and web topology are found to be significantly associated with product or service creation primarily because of the creation efficacy aspect. The SECI with web topology has a mediation function when the goal-driven mode is adopted. Implications and suggestions are also provided.