A theoretical and empirical validation of information technology and path-goal leadership on knowledge creation in university

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the importance of maximizing resources in an institution to promote knowledge management (KM) practices, namely, leadership, information technology (IT) and KM. The relationship among them was analyzed. Previous studies’ relating aspects of KM were concerned about the industry; however, the academic institution has not received much attention. Therefore, to address this in an academic setting, the authors developed research model by focusing on an academic institution.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used structural equation modeling to check the research prototype with a sample of 160 respondents. The respondents were heads of departments, lecturers and general employees. In addition, the authors used SPSS to measure demographic, non-response bias and generate descriptive statistics.FindingsThe findings of this research show that the leadership style with path goal theory and IT are elements that support KM program in university setting. The results of hypothesis are displayed in Figure 2, including examining factors that influence of path goal theory, technology and KM program. In other hand, path goal theory had a positive influence on KM program (c = 0.13, p < 0.05), and IT had a positive influence on KM program (c = 0.20, p < 0.05).Research limitations/implicationsFinally, the authors are not to claim that this will be suitable in many academic institutions and organization types. In this study, the authors tested or checked existing leadership style in university, then suggest/explain to University what style of leadership currently they have and suggest to them how this style may support knowledge sharing practice in University. While the strength of this study provides an opportunity to explore the KM program of an academic institution, limitations do exist above. Therefore, this statement needs to be investigated and validated further.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research may help companies and workers to initiate sharing knowledge or to encourage knowledge sharing in University. In addition, managerial staffs/officers are supposed to make standardization or regulation to encourage workers’ participation for transferring their knowledge. In this aspect, company needs create such as training or formal/informal meeting to make their workers more confidence to communicate each other.Originality/valueThe authors have combined various aspects, namely, KM, leadership style and social media tools, to solve the obstacle of knowledge sharing practices.