Knowledge management readiness in a university in Iran: Perceptions and factors for initiating

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge is a very important resource in this era and identifying, capturing, storing, and applying it to organisational processes can help organisations in achieving their goals and objectives. Therefore, managing knowledge is considered as an organisational capability. This paper attempts to investigate knowledge management (KM) readiness in University X. Also, the most important KM factors are explored in the university.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed a knowledge transformations model for assessing the readiness of the KM in University X. Hence, 100 faculty members of this university were selected by stratified sampling for gathering data. Then, data collection was conducted by a questionnaire. Afterwards, t‐test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Finally, interviews were conducted to identify more important factors for KM initiatives.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrate that University X has been weak regarding KM transformations. Also, the research findings revealed that there were no significant differences between the faculties of the university. Lastly, the study has explored the most important obstacles in applying KM initiatives through carrying out interviews.

Research limitations/implications

Since the research focuses on people's perceptions, the findings may be biased. There is no opportunity to use university documents.

Practical implications

The university needs to conduct the KM practices such as: considering the other factors that have involvement in the field; developing a consistent rewards and recognition system based on knowledge sharing; providing situations to establish meetings among staff members; and determining the official position of KM.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into knowledge management readiness in a university in Iran.

Citation

Nejadhussein, S. and Azadbakht, P. (2011), "Knowledge management readiness in a university in Iran: Perceptions and factors for initiating", Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 172-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/17561411111167845