Design and Validation of a Localized Knowledge Management Model and Its Impact on Faculty Productivity
Keywords:
Knowledge management, Faculty productivity, University, Localized model, Academic performanceAbstract
This study aimed to design and validate a localized knowledge management model and examine its effect on research, teaching, and professional productivity of faculty members. A mixed-methods approach was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews and the Delphi technique identified model dimensions and indicators. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 183 faculty members of Islamic Azad University Region 8 using a researcher-made questionnaire. Construct validity and reliability were confirmed via first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling using PLS tested the causal relationships. All knowledge management dimensions exerted significant positive effects on faculty productivity. Empowerment factors emerged as the strongest predictor across all domains (β research=0.267; β teaching=0.174; β services=0.235). Knowledge organization and storage most strongly predicted teaching productivity (β=0.304), knowledge utilization best predicted research productivity (β=0.248), and knowledge acquisition most influenced professional services (β=0.225). Model fit indices confirmed satisfactory structural validity. The proposed localized knowledge management model demonstrates strong explanatory and predictive power for faculty productivity and provides a practical framework for systematic academic performance improvement.
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