How knowledge management is affected by organizational structure

Abstract

Purpose

Identifying the impact of organizational structure on knowledge management (KM) is the aim of this study, as well as recognizing the importance of each variable indicator in creating, sharing and utility of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

For understanding relationships between the main variables (organizational structure‐KM), the authors used statistical analysis and a structural model. A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review. The correlation between variables was examined, then the effects of independent variables on dependent variable were recognized, and finally a structural equation approach was used to perform path analysis, and to examine the effect of exogenous variables on endogenous variables.

Findings

The results suggest that organizational structure is positively related to knowledge management. The findings extend theoretical implications for organizational factor effects on knowledge management. In general, if the characteristics of organizational structure were less centralized, less formalized, more complicated and more integrated, the levels of KM would be enhanced.

Research limitations/implications

A couple of limitations of this study should be noted. The first limitation is the sample size used. There was also inadequate access to scientific research and up to date papers.

Originality/value

The paper presents a clear relationship between organizational structure and knowledge management.

Citation

Mahmoudsalehi, M., Moradkhannejad, R. and Safari, K. (2012), "How knowledge management is affected by organizational structure", The Learning Organization, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 518-528. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696471211266974