Studying Knowledge Leadership at Departments of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

The purpose of this study was, at first, to review the components of knowledge leadership and then to investigate the status quo with regards to these components at the departments of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. In doing so, case study research method was used. From a total of 54 department heads, 15 were selected as key informants through purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected participants. At first, the major components of knowledge leadership were identified and extracted by systematic review. These components include learning leadership, change leadership, collaboration, coaching, knowledge sharing, shared outlook, knowledge development, network collaboration, creative problem-solving, conflict management and trust-building. Second, analyzing the status quo of knowledge leadership at departments indicated that mediation in conflict resolution, atmosphere of trust, knowledge acquisition, creating learning opportunities, lawful orientation of the department, collaborative decision-making, respecting others, inter-organizational interactions, interdisciplinary approach and young faculty members are considered as categories related to knowledge leadership at the departments under study. Overall, results revealed that there is a big gap between the status quo of knowledge leadership at departments and the ideal situation.