Identification and Prioritization of Factors Affecting Knowledge Concealment By Managers in Guilan University of Medical Sciences by AHP Hierarchical Method

Hiding knowledge in the organization is a new topic in the field of knowledge management. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the factors affecting knowledge concealment by managers in Guilan University of Medical Sciences by AHP hierarchical method.

The research is applied in terms of purpose and based on a qualitative-quantitative approach. The statistical population of the study included philosophical experts in the field of management and experimental experts of the University of Medical Sciences who were selected as a sample by purposive sampling method and snowball technique until the theoretical saturation was reached. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview. After enumerating the indicators affecting knowledge concealment and then by hierarchical analysis (AHP) method and using Expert Choice11 software, the identified factors were prioritized.

In this research, prior to interviewing the experts, written consent was received from them regarding the confidentiality of the research (Code: IR.IAU.LIAU.REC.1401.002).

The research findings showed that among the 7 effective factors considered by experts, the power-seeking factor has the greatest impact on knowledge concealment by managers in the University of Medical Sciences and emotional intelligence has the least weight or importance. 

Accordingly, by reducing power-seeking, in addition to creating a transparent and reliable atmosphere, it is possible to establish knowledge sharing in the University of Medical Sciences.