An Importance-Performance Analysis of Factors Affecting the Performance of Knowledge Collaboration in Virtual Teams Among the Scientific Activists in Iran’s Agricultural Field

Abstract

Knowledge collaboration (KC) is an essential concept for improving knowledge management, emphasizing not only the efficiency of knowledge but also the effectiveness. In many companies, KC is facing new challenges, especially in virtual teams' performance. The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) matrix is a useful tool to help managers overcome this issue. This study aims to determine the importance-performance of the factors affecting KC in virtual teams among Iranian scientific activists in the agricultural field to give the managers a strategic perspective and improve the KC performance in virtual work teams. Electronic questionnaires were distributed and collected. Using the mean-test, through the IPA matrix, the data was analyzed. Findings were demonstrated for each affecting factor. Then based on the analysis, management suggestions are proposed to improve KC performance. The IPA grids illustrated that the value factor fell into the "concentrate here" quadrant, which is the most strategic part for managers to focus on. This study enhances the theory of KC and provides a practical reference for managing KC in virtual teams. Using the extracted reports from the IPA, managers can have a proper perspective to take action in their future knowledge management strategies.