This research seeks to examine how the EFQM excellence model—specifically through its direction and execution dimensions, referred to as directional excellence practices (DEPs) and executional excellence practices (EEPs)—influences organizational performance (OP). Additionally, it explores the mediating effect of knowledge management processes (KMPs) in the links between these excellence practices and OP. Data were gathered via a questionnaire distributed to middle and senior managers in four mobile network operators (MNOs) operating in Yemen, yielding 219 usable responses for analysis. The hypothesized model was tested using the disjoint two-stage structural equation modeling (SEM) method in SmartPLS software. Empirical evidence revealed partial complementary mediation by KMPs in the association between DEPs and OP, alongside complete mediation by KMPs in the connection between EEPs and OP. These outcomes suggest that KMPs enhance the positive effects of DEPs on OP but diminish the direct effects of EEPs on OP. To the authors' best knowledge, this work offers a novel exploration of the interplay among DEPs, EEPs, and OP, with KMPs serving as a mediator, within the context of MNOs, thereby enriching the limited body of research on these interrelated concepts.
