Measuring the knowledge productivity: A comprehensive study of knowledge workers in Iranian industrial organizations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a validated model for measuring the knowledge productivity in knowledge‐based organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of affecting factors on knowledge productivity was initially obtained from a literature review and verified by a panel of selected experts. The final model was formulated based on the responses of the experts. A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect data from knowledge workers.

Findings

The results show that there are strong correlations between organizational learning, intellectual capital and innovation. The statistical analysis support that the dimensions of learning (individual, group and organization) have positive impact on dimensions of intellectual capital (human, social and structural). Finally, the output of intellectual capital is the ability to create knowledge‐based results or innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is the lack of literature about knowledge productivity.

Originality/value

As not many studies have been done on knowledge productivity, the paper's findings will be useful to assess the learning ability to create knowledge‐based results or innovation in organizations.

Citation

Ramezan, M. (2012), "Measuring the knowledge productivity: A comprehensive study of knowledge workers in Iranian industrial organizations", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537981211265589