Designing the Model of Knowledge Management in Universities: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to design the model of knowledge management in universities (Qom province universities). Methods: The research method is based on the purposive is fundamental and based on the method is qualitative. The statistical population of the research was experts in the field of knowledge management in universities. The sampling method in the present study was a purposive sampling method. In this research, exploratory and semi-structured interviews were used to collect information. After 15 interviews, theoretical saturation was achieved; hence the selected sample was equal to 15 people. The data analysis method was theoretical coding derived from grounded theory method. Results: The findings showed that 14 main categories and related concepts of these categories were identified in open coding. Also, in the stage of central and selective coding of categories, refinement and knowledge management model were presented in universities. In the presented model, the causal conditions included knowledge-oriented organizational culture, strategic planning of knowledge management, information technology infrastructure and knowledge manpower. The context included the categories of organizational structure and individual characteristics of employees and professors and intervening conditions including weakness in knowledge management rules and lack of motivation of employees and professors. Conclusions: The action/interaction strategies in the designed model include knowledge identification and goal-setting, knowledge team building in the university and knowledge-oriented human resource management and the consequences in the knowledge-oriented university, improving university performance and improving individual performance

Keywords

• knowledge management
• knowledge-based university
• grounded theory model
• qualitative study