Author(s): Kusdi
This research was conducted with the aim to analyze the impact of leadership on organizational performance using variables of knowledge management as a mediating variable. The unit of analysis in this research was the study program and the scholars who study populations, where the quality of undergraduate study program was a picture of total conditions of higher education in general (BAN-PT, 2015). The analytical method used to test the hypothesis of the research was SEM (Structural Equation Model). The leadership of the heads of study program and management of exact science-related knowledge, non-exact science-related knowledge and exact-non-exact science-related knowledge is still considered good enough, while the organizational performance of the exact-science study programs, non-exact science study programs and exact-non-exact science study programs is still quite high. In relation to the exactscience study programs, non-exact science study programs and exact-non-exact science study programs, leadership simultaneously has a significant effect on knowledge management in public higher education institutions in South Sulawesi and East Java. Originality for this papers show: (1) mediation effect (using Sobel test) of knowledge management in relationship between leadership toward organizational performance, (2) location of studies (no previous research for this relationship): Hiher Education in two provinces, South Sulawesi and East Java.