Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. student, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education Department, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
3 Department of Economics, Extension and Agricultural Education, Science and Research Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Successful knowledge management implementation depends on identifying the key factors that facilitate its adoption and improve organizational effectiveness.However,comprehensive evidence regarding these factors in agricultural service organizations remains limited.Therefore, this study aimed to identify,validateand explain the factors influencing KM implementation in Agricultural Service Centers of Razavi Khorasan ProvinceIran.Thestudy was applied in purpose and employed an exploratory mixed-methods design,integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches.The qualitative phase involved 27purposively selected knowledge management experts from organizations affiliated with the agricultural sector,while the quantitative phase included a census of 147specialists working in Agricultural Service Centers.Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 96 items measured on a five-point Likert scale.Face validity was confirmed by 16university faculty members,and construct validity(AVE = 0.70)Cronbach's alpha(α = 0.89),and Composite Reliability(CR = 0.80)demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability.Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis,Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelingand the Friedman test.The results indicated that knowledge culture and intellectual capital (β = 0.724),organizational structure and management system(β = 0.751),information technology infrastructure andinformation management(β = 0.731),economic characteristics(β = 0.872),demographic characteristics(β = 0.853),informational and educational characteristics(β = 0.527), competency(β = 0.816),and motivation(β = 0.498)significantly influenced KM implementation.Friedman test results further showed that organizational factors(MR = 2.75),knowledge culture and intellectual capital(MR = 2.09),farmers' informational and educational characteristics(MR = 4.35),and experts' motivation(MR = 3.27)received the highest priorities.These findings highlight the critical role of organizational,environmental,and individual factors in successful KM implementation within Agricultural Service Centers.
Keywords
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