Research Article

Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management

Volume: 8 July 30, 2026

Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management

Abstract

This study aims to examine the mediating role of knowledge management in the relationship between top managers' external social networks and hotels' strategic flexibility. A quantitative research approach was employed, and data were collected through a structured survey administered by top managers of five-star hotel enterprises operating in Istanbul and Antalya. A total of 400 valid responses were obtained and subsequently analyzed using two distinct statistical software packages. To assess the reliability and construct validity of the measurement scales, both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted. Additionally, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated. The hypothesized relationships among the variables were tested through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that knowledge management fully mediates the relationship between top managers’ external social networks and the strategic flexibility of the hotels. Furthermore, statistically significant and positive relationships were identified between external social networks and knowledge management, external social networks and strategic flexibility, and knowledge management and strategic flexibility.

Keywords

Knowledge management, top managers, social networks, hotel strategic flexibility

Ethical Statement

This manuscript was produced from a doctoral dissertation. This research was approved by the Anadolu University Ethics Committee in accordance with the Human Research Ethics committee guidelines. The reference number of the research, dated 07/03/2023, is 535930.

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APA
Konak, E., & Paşaoğlu Baş, D. (2026). Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, 8. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1826065
AMA
1.Konak E, Paşaoğlu Baş D. Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management. TOLEHO. 2026;8. doi:10.48119/toleho.1826065
Chicago
Konak, Evren, and Didem Paşaoğlu Baş. 2026. “Top Managers’ External Networks and Hotels’ Strategic Flexibility: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Management”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 8 (July). https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1826065.
EndNote
Konak E, Paşaoğlu Baş D (July 1, 2026) Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 8
IEEE
[1]E. Konak and D. Paşaoğlu Baş, “Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management”, TOLEHO, vol. 8, July 2026, doi: 10.48119/toleho.1826065.
ISNAD
Konak, Evren - Paşaoğlu Baş, Didem. “Top Managers’ External Networks and Hotels’ Strategic Flexibility: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Management”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality 8 (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1826065.
JAMA
1.Konak E, Paşaoğlu Baş D. Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management. TOLEHO. 2026;8. doi:10.48119/toleho.1826065.
MLA
Konak, Evren, and Didem Paşaoğlu Baş. “Top Managers’ External Networks and Hotels’ Strategic Flexibility: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Management”. Journal of Tourism Leisure and Hospitality, vol. 8, July 2026, doi:10.48119/toleho.1826065.
Vancouver
1.Evren Konak, Didem Paşaoğlu Baş. Top managers’ external networks and hotels’ strategic flexibility: The mediating role of knowledge management. TOLEHO. 2026 Jul. 1;8. doi:10.48119/toleho.1826065