The relationship between organizational culture components and knowledge management: Case study of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Knowledge is regarded as a major resource of organizations and as an asset. Transmission, creation and applying knowledge require an organizational culture which encourages this process. Universities as knowledge-producing organizations should benefit from this. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management at Kerman University of Medical Science. Present analytical study was done with cross sectional in Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Statistical population consisted of all staff working at deputies of Kerman University of Medical sciences (844) of which a sample of 200 was selected using quota sampling. In order to collect data, questionnaires on organizational culture and knowledge management were used whose validity was confirmed in previous studies and their reliability was calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods (Pearson correlation, ANOVA and linear regression) were used for data analysis through spss18. Organizational culture was evaluated good by the majority of the studied subjects. Highest and lowest scores was obtained by adaptability (2/9) and participatory (2/6) dimensions respectively. Knowledge management status was evaluated at moderate and good level by studied subjects. Finally, there was a significant relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management (P-value=0/000). Organizational culture and knowledge management were in good condition in this study. Organization must first consider the organizational culture in order to improve the knowledge system and to spread it throughout organization effectively. The more strong the organizational culture is, the more successful the implementation of knowledge management would be.