Input factors related to knowledge creation at universities: a qualitative study

The main mission of university depends on academic, social, political, and monetary needs through knowledge creation and then to provide necessary conditions and contexts to knowledge creation through appropriate management. This study aimed to identify related factors associated with knowledge creation at universities via qualitative methodology. The exploratory qualitative research method was used to answer research questions. In order to collect necessary qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 informant and experts in the field of knowledge creation. The obtained qualitative data were examined using content analysis. The findings showed that knowledge creation factors were classified in three dimensions of organizational, individual and supporting factors which totally included 19 components. These components were identified in terms of knowledge creation culture, enabling structure, knowledge network, human resource development, sabbatical leaves opportunities, graduate programs, collaborative management, interdisciplinary communications, social capital, creativity, professional ethic, time management skills, motivation, individual learning, teaching responsibilities, basic skills for knowledge creation, hardware and software agents, libraries and laboratories.