Do TQM Instigate Sustainable Development: Identifying the Key Role of Green Innovation and Knowledge Management

Given that the environment faces many issues, organizations unified quality management and sustainable operations to enhance the sustainable development of any industry. However, they disregard the fundamental role of knowledge management (KM) and green innovation (GI). Therefore, this research study proposed and analyzed the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and the sustainable development of the sports goods industry (SDSGI) through knowledge management (KM) and green innovation (GI) in an encompassing model. Data were collected from 399 respondents from the companies producing Iranian sports goods and analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The path analysis results showed that TQM has a positive and significant effect on KM, GI, and SDSGI. Besides, KM and GI also have a significant positive impact on SDSGI. Further, GI and KM were found to have a partial mediation among TQM and SDSGI. The findings signify the critical role of TQM practices in accomplishing SDSGI. Moreover, KM and GI adoption also play a fundamental role in realizing SDSGI. This research study recommends valued insights to policymakers for protecting the environment and enhancing sustainable development by employing quality management and green initiatives in the current knowledge-based economy.