Identification and Validation of Organizational Knowledge Management Adoption Indicators in Public Sector Organizations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Educational Administration, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 M.A in Human Resource Training and Development, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and validate the indicators of organizational knowledge management adoption in public sector organizations. The research was applied in terms of purpose, mixed-method in terms of data (qualitative followed by quantitative), and sequential exploratory in terms of implementation. In the qualitative phase, the research method was thematic analysis. The statistical population of the qualitative section consisted of deputy directors of support and resource development in the district and regional offices of the Department of Education in Ardabil Province. Sampling was carried out using theoretical purposive sampling, and based on the principle of theoretical saturation, 15 participants were selected. The data collection tool in the qualitative section was semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data were analyzed through three-stage coding (open, axial, and selective). The quantitative phase employed a descriptive-correlational method. The statistical population in this phase included all staff members of the Ardabil Province Department of Education in the year 2025. The population size was 217, and due to its limited number, the entire population was selected as the sample for the quantitative phase using a non-random census method. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire derived from the findings of the qualitative phase. Quantitative data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) within the framework of structural equation modeling (SEM). Overall, the indicators of organizational knowledge management acceptance in the education department offices were categorized and validated under four components: structural foundations, human capital, knowledge process architecture, and enabling technologies (sig<0.05). The findings of this study provide a validated framework for the acceptance of organizational knowledge management within the administrative system of the education sector, which can serve as a basis for improving human resource performance and organizational development.

Keywords

References

رفیعی، داود؛ اخوان، پیمان و جهانی، علیرضا. (1397). ارائه مدل پذیرش مدیریت‌دانش‌ درسازمان‌های ایرانی. پژوهش های کتابخانه های دیجیتالی و هوشمند، 5(2)، 11-24. https://lib.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_5745.html
 
References
Abiola, O. (2023). Exploring Effective Knowledge Management Strategies for Achieving Organizational Success. Journal of Management and Administration Provision, 3(1), 1-6.  https://doi.org/10.55885/jmap.v3i1.227
Abu-Mahfouz, S., Halim, M. S. A., Bahkia, A. S., Alias, N., & Tambi, A. M. (2023). Sustainable human resource management practices in organizational performance: The mediating impacts of knowledge management and work engagement. https://doi.org/10.7341/20231922
Acevedo-Correa, Y., Aristizábal-Botero, C. A., Valencia-Arias, A., & Bran-Piedrahita, L. (2020). Formulación de modelos de gestión del conocimiento aplicados al contexto de instituciones de educación superior. Información tecnológica, 31(1), 103-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-07642020000100103 
Agryanda, A., Irwansyah, M., Xinhong, L., & Rahayu, M. E. N. (2024). Leadership Styles and Knowledge Management in Islamic Educational Institutions: An Empirical Investigation. Tarbawi: Jurnal Keilmuan Manajemen Pendidikan, 10(01), 1-10.  https://doi.org/10.32678/tarbawi.v10i01.9225
Ahmad, N. A., Elias, N. F., Sahari, N., & Mohamed, H. (2023). Learning Management System Acceptance Factors for Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Institutions. TEM Journal, 12.(2)  10.18421/TEM122-61
Aldehayyat, J. S., Almohtasb, A. A., & Alsoboa, S. S. (2021). An evaluation of critical success factors for knowledge management in the financial sector: evidence from developing country context. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 20(3), 1-20. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/106374044
Aman, F., & Yusof, K. H. (2023). Determinants of KMS adoption in Malaysian organizations: evidence across various industries. Kybernetes, 52(11), 5186-5210.  https://doi.org/10.1108/K-02-2022-0292
Ammirato, S., Linzalone, R., & Felicetti, A. M. (2021). Knowledge management in pandemics. A critical literature review. Knowledge management research & practice, 19(4), 415-426. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2020.1801364
Anggraynie, R. D. (2024). Pengaruh Knowledge Management Practices terhadap Organizational Performance. PANDITA: Interdisciplinary Journal of Public Affairs, 7(2), 213-229. https://doi.org/10.61332/ijpa.v7i2.211
Ariffin, S., Abidin, N. Z., Rosly, M. A., & Saihani, S. B. (2023). Factors inducing the adoption of Knowledge Management System (KMS) In SMEs, large and government organizations. What are the intercepting factors? A systematic review. Information Management and Business Review, 15(1), 140-148. 10.22610/imbr.v15i1(I)SI.3394
Barua, B. (2021). Impact of total quality management factors on knowledge creation in the organizations of Bangladesh. The TQM Journal, 33(6), 15. 1543-16  https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-06-2020-0145
Bayari, R., Al Shamsi, A. A., Salloum, S. A., & Shaalan, K. (2022). Impact of knowledge management on organizational performance. Paper presented at the International conference on emerging technologies and intelligent systems. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85990-9_82
Chalise, M., & Adhikari, R. (2024). Knowledge Management Capabilities and Firm Performance: Evidence from Nepalese Commercial Banks. Journal of Nepalese Business Studies, 17(1), 1-16.  10.3126/jnbs.v17i1.75253
Galgotia, D., & Lakshmi, N. (2022). Implementation of knowledge management in higher education: A comparative study of private and government universities in India and abroad. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 944153. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.944153
Gómez-Marín, N., Cara-Jiménez, J., Bernardo-Sánchez, A., Álvarez-de-Prado, L., & Ortega-Fernández, F. (2022). Sustainable knowledge management in academia and research organizations in the innovation context. The International Journal of Management Education, 20(1), 100601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2022.100601
Gouveia, A., Gonçalves, A. A., Sabbadini, F. S., & Barbosa, J. G. P. (2023). Knowledge Management Barriers in the Brazilian Energy Sector. Revista Valore, 8.  https://doi.org/10.22408/reva802023783e-8095
Grant, R. M. (1996). Toward a knowledge‐based theory of the firm. Strategic management journal, 17(S2), 109-122.  https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171110
Gupta, C., Fernandez-Crehuet, J. M., & Gupta, V. (2022). Measuring impact of cloud computing and knowledge management in software development and innovation. Systems, 10(5), 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10050151
Husnain, M., Wang, Z., Poulova, P., Syed, F., Akbar, A., Akhtar, M. W., . . . Usman, M. (2021). Exploring brand hate and the association between similar competitor offer and brand equity: a moderated-mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 533216.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.533216
Iqbal, A. (2021). Innovation speed and quality in higher education institutions: the role of knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing process. Journal of Knowledge Management, 25(9), 2334-2360.  https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2020-0546
Jami Pour, M., & Sherkat, M. H. (2015). Challenge of successful KMSs implementation: exploration of effective factors on KM acceptance via mixed method. Journal of Information Technology Management, 7(2), 429-450.‏ https://doi.org/10.22059/jitm.2015.53887
Koivisto, K., & Taipalus, T. (2025). Pitfalls in effective knowledge management: insights from an international information technology organisation. International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 16(1), 27-60. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJKMS.2025.146084
Kordab, M., Raudeliūnienė, J., & Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė, I. (2020). Mediating role of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational learning and sustainable organizational performance. Sustainability, 12(23), 10061. https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310061
Kumari, A., Khan, M., & Lakshmi, N. (2023). Assessing antecedents of individual readiness to adopt knowledge management in higher educational institutions. Cogent Business & Management, 10(2), 2238393.  10.1080/23311975.2023.2238393
Misbakhuddin, M. (2020). Implementasi Manajemen Pengetahuan (Knowledge Management) Di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 1 Brebes. Oasis: Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Islam, 5(1), 24-52. http://dx.doi.org/10.24235/oasis.v5i1.5345
Mogea, T. (2023). Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning In Organizational Development. POPULER: Jurnal Penelitian Mahasiswa, 2(1), 215-229. https://doi.org/10.58192/populer.v2i1.648
Muftahu, M., & Jamil, H. (2021). Sustainable knowledge flow and innovation in higher education: the implementation of change management in universities. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 15(2), 159-168. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISD.2021.114328
Nakash, M., & Bouhnik, D. (2022). “A system that will do magic”: organizational perspective on the technological layer in knowledge management. Aslib Journal of Information Management, 74(6), 1089-1102.  https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-11-2021-0341
Nakash, M., & Bouhnik, D. (2023). Challenges of justification of investment in organizational knowledge management. Knowledge management research & practice, 21(4), 703-713. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJIM-11-2021-0341
Nugraha, I. N. B. S., Agustini, K., Warpala, I. W. S., & Sudatha, I. G. W. (2022). Implemetasi manajemen pengetahuan sebagai upaya pengembangan lembaga pendidikan unggul pada TK. Widya Nugraha Batubulan. Widyadari, 23(2), 229-239. https://ojs.mahadewa.ac.id/index.php/widyadari/article/view/2253
Obeso, M., Hernández-Linares, R., López-Fernández, M. C., & Serrano-Bedia, A. M. (2020). Knowledge management processes and organizational performance: the mediating role of organizational learning. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(8), 1859-1880.  https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2019-0553
Onofre, I., & Teixeira, L. (2022). Critical Factors for a Successful Knowledge Management Implementation: Evidence based on a Systematic Literature Review. Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 20(2), pp. 93-109. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejkm.20.2.2357
Phaladi, M. P. (2023). Mitigating tacit knowledge loss in South African state-owned companies: HRM approach. Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 21(3), 211-223. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejkm.21.3.3152
Rao, S., Nandini, A. S., & Zachariah, M .(2023). Knowledge management for SMEs: a pragmatic approach. Knowledge management research & practice, 21(4), 795-805. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2022.2053312
Rafiei, D., Akhavan, P., & Jahani, A. (2018). A Knowledge Management Readiness Model For Iranian Organizations. Digital and Smart Libraries Researches, 5(2), 11-24.‏ (In Persian) https://lib.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_5745.html
Rasyid, M. K., Rahayu, A., & Wibowo, L. A. (2021). Penerapan strategi manajemen pengetahuan untuk meningkatkan kinerja institusi pendidikan dalam menghadapi revolusi industri 4.0. Jurnal Bisnis Dan Manajemen, 8(1), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.26905/jbm.v8i1.5292
Ružić, E., & Benazić, D. (2021). The Impact of Internal Knowledge Sharing on Sales Department’s Innovativeness and New Product Commercialization. Organizacija, 54 (2), 147-160. 10.2478/orga-2021-0010
Saeed, S. A., Tofiq, A. M., Qadir, A. M.-A., Faraj, S. M., & Aziz, K. G. (2022). The role of knowledge management in higher education institutions (Colleges and Universities). Al-Idarah: Jurnal Kependidikan Islam, 12(2), 126-133. https://doi.org/10.53898/jpes2024324
Sart, G. (2023). The Impact of Knowledge Management on Organizational Learning in Universities. In Economic and Social Implications of Information and Communication Technologies (pp. 181-195): IGI Global. 10.4018/978-1-6684-6620-9.ch012
Sen, A. (2024). Organizational Knowledge and Knowledge Management: A New Framework. American Journal of Management Science and Engineering, 9(1), 1-12. 10.11648/j.ajmse.20240901.11
Shehzad, M. U., Zhang, J., Dost, M., Ahmad, M. S., & Alam, S. (2024). Knowledge management enablers and knowledge management processes: a direct and configurational approach to stimulate green innovation. European Journal of Innovation Management, 27(1), 123-152.  https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-02-2022-0076
Silva, T., & Fain, N. (2024). Knowledge management practice and organizational performance in the context of international schools. International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM), 20(1), 1-15.  10.4018/IJKM.336925
Singh, S. K., Gupta, S., Busso, D., & Kamboj, S. (2021). Top management knowledge value, knowledge sharing practices, open innovation and organizational performance. Journal of business research, 128, 788-798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.04.040
Srinivasan, P. (2020). Evaluation of knowledge management practices–a leather industry context. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 52(2), 303-313. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-07-2020-0137
Sterev, N. (2023). Pre-incubation toolkits for academic entrepreneurship fostering: Bulgarian case. Стратегии на образователната и научната политика, 31(3s), 90-103. 10.53656/str2023-3s-7-pre
Szulanski, G. (1995). UNPACKING STICKINESS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE BARRIERS TO TRANSFER BEST PRACTICE INSIDE THE FIRM. Paper presented at the Academy of Management Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.1995.17536715
Urdea, A.-M., & Constantin, C. P. (2021). Experts’ perspective on the development of experiential marketing strategy: implementation steps, benefits, and challenges. Journal of risk and financial management, 14(10), 502. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14100502
Varamezov, L. (2024). Knowledge sharing barriers in Bulgarian companies–an empirical study. Стратегии на образователната и научната политика, 32(3s), 72-85. https://doi.org/10.53656/str2024-3s-7-kno
Yaw, K. R. (2023). Organizational Knowledge Management Practices and Their Impact on Organizational Focus—Assessing the Case of the Service Industry in Ghana. Open Journal of Business and Management, 11(2), 704-717. 10.4236/ojbm.2023.112038
Zhang, W., Jiang, Y., Zhou, W., & Pan, W. (2022). Antecedents of knowledge-seeking intentions and efforts within new product development teams: empirical evidence from knowledge-based Chinese companies. Journal of Knowledge Management, 27(2), 356-382.  https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-08-2021-0617
Zulkifly, Z., Ghani, M. F. A., & Elham, F. (2023). The challenge of entrepreneurial leadership secondary school leader in Malaysia. Tarbawi: Jurnal Keilmuan Manajemen Pendidikan, 9(02), 171-178.  https://doi.org/10.32678/tarbawi.v9i02.9154
Journal of Comparative Public Administration
Volume 4, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 106-134

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 12 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 October 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics