The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management: A Case Study of Bam University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Knowledge management creates value for the organization by turning human capital into intellectual assets. Organizational culture affects knowledge management by influencing these assets. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the components of organizational culture and knowledge management at Bam University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a cross-sectional design in 2017 on 190 staff members of Bam University of Medical Sciences who were selected through stratified sampling. The data were collected using Probst’s Knowledge Management Questionnaire and Denison Organizational Culture Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation test and linear regression analysis with SPSS-26 software. Results: Most of the staff (81%) had a positive evaluation of the state of organizational culture. The highest and lowest mean scores for the components of organizational culture were related to consistency (2.88) and adaptability (2.67) and also knowledge identification (3.30) and knowledge use (2.53) as the components of knowledge management. The results showed a statistically significant relationship (P<0.005) between organizational culture and knowledge management. Conclusion: The findings confirmed a significant relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management, indicating that the stronger the organizational culture, the more successful the implementation of knowledge management will be. Thus, to improve knowledge management and sharing in the organization, managers can focus on the organizational culture and improve its various dimensions.