Competitive Advantage Model Based on Knowledge Management in Novin Daneshpajoohan Institute

Parian, Setareh; Hassanzadeh, Mohammad; Sharif, Atefeh

doi:10.22054/jks.2022.64110.1475

Competitive Advantage Model Based on Knowledge Management in Novin Daneshpajoohan Institute

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

setareh parian ¹

Mohammad Hassanzadeh ²

Atefeh Sharif ²

¹ Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

² Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/jks.2022.64110.1475

Abstract

Introduction

In recent years, the role of knowledge as one of the most important strategic resources of organizations has received more attention than ever before. Contemporary business environments are faced with a high rate of change, intense competition, and the need for continuous innovation, and organizations that can create, store, transfer, and apply knowledge are more successful. In such a context, knowledge management, as a core organizational capability, can be effective in creating and maintaining competitive advantage. Recent studies in the field of strategic management and knowledge systems show that organizations are able to establish their competitive position when their knowledge processes are structured and based on support systems. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a comprehensive model to explain the relationship between knowledge management components and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
This research seeks to answer the question of to what extent the various knowledge management processes, including knowledge creation, acquisition, storage, dissemination, and application, can help improve organizational performance and enhance the competitive advantage of the organization, and whether a suitable model can be provided for analyzing these relationships.
Research hypotheses
In this study, the impact of knowledge management components on competitive advantage is measured as follows:

There is a significant effect between knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
There is a significant effect between the knowledge production component of knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
There is a significant effect between the knowledge acquisition component of knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
There is a significant effect between the knowledge storage component of knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
There is a significant effect between the knowledge dissemination component of knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
There is a significant effect between the knowledge application component of knowledge management and competitive advantage in the New Institute of Scholars.
Literature Review

The existing theoretical background indicates that knowledge management is one of the main tools for realizing innovation, organizational learning, and continuous improvement. Recent studies also emphasize that knowledge management not only improves organizational decision-making, but also plays a key role in strengthening key capabilities of organizations, including product development, process improvement, and promoting intra-organizational interactions. Research published in the past three years shows that organizations that fully implement the knowledge management cycle perform significantly better in terms of service quality, organizational agility, and rapid response to environmental changes.
According to new findings, knowledge management has the greatest impact on competitive advantage when it is synergistic with organizational structure, learning culture, and innovative approaches. Therefore, a detailed examination of the relationships between knowledge management dimensions and competitive advantage can lead to the presentation of models that guide organizations on the path of sustainable development and improving effectiveness. Based on such a gap and research need, the present study aims to present a native model based on real data from the Novin Daneshpojohan Institute.

Methodology

This research is an applied research type and its method is a quantitative study. The statistical population of this study consists of 30 employees of the Novin Daneshpojohan Institute (due to the small number of these people and at the discretion of the supervisor, sampling was not carried out and the entire population was examined). Data collection was carried out using documentary and survey methods. The main tool was the Sharon Lawson (2003) Standard Knowledge Management Questionnaire, which has been used in various studies over the years and its compatibility with the organizational environment has been confirmed in numerous studies.
The questions of the present research questionnaire were developed according to the five-point Likert scale and using the Sharon Lawson (2003) Standard Knowledge Management Questionnaire, whose validity was examined and confirmed by experts in this field, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.871). SPSS software was used to analyze the data, and PLS software (and Q2, SRMR, NFI and GOF indices) was used to provide an appropriate model, as well as the descriptive statistical methods of mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and nonparametric Smirnov-Kolmogorov test.

Results

According to the results obtained from the Pearson test, it was determined that the significance level of competitive advantage with the components of knowledge management (including creation, acquisition, storage, dissemination and application of knowledge) was less than 0.05, which indicates a significant relationship between them. These results indicate that each of the dimensions of knowledge has an effective role in promoting the competitive advantage of the institution.
In addition, according to the findings of structural equations, it was also determined that the t-value of all hypotheses is greater than 1.96, and as a result, all components of knowledge management have a significant relationship with competitive advantage. This finding clearly shows that knowledge management has a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage and its various components play a direct role in strengthening the competitive position of the organization. The fit indices also showed that the proposed model has a suitable and reliable fit and can be used as a valid model for analyzing the effects of knowledge management on competitive advantage.

Discussion

The results of this study, in line with recent studies, show that knowledge management as an organizational capability can significantly affect the performance and competitive advantage of organizations. The findings indicate that strengthening the processes of knowledge creation and acquisition keeps the organization up to date; storing and disseminating knowledge leads to the stability and correct transfer of information; and the application of knowledge is the final loop of value creation that leads to better decision-making and improved services.
The relationship analysis shows that knowledge-based organizations have a greater advantage in terms of innovation, response to changes, and provision of quality services compared to organizations that lack knowledge management structures. Given that the New Institute of Scholars has been trying to improve the level of performance and stakeholder satisfaction in recent years, paying attention to knowledge management can facilitate the path to achieving long-term organizational goals. The findings emphasize that investing in information technology, employee training, and developing information infrastructure can play an effective role in strengthening the knowledge management cycle.

Conclusion

The present study aimed to present a model for analyzing the relationship between knowledge management and competitive advantage, and the results indicate that knowledge management is one of the key elements of organizational survival and growth. All components of knowledge management play an influential and meaningful role in promoting competitive advantage, and organizations that implement this cycle completely and integratedly will have a greater ability to face competition and environmental changes. The model presented in this study can be used by managers of the New Institute for Scholars and other similar organizations as a valid framework for planning, decision-making, and implementing knowledge strategies.

Keywords

knowledge management

competitive advantage

Novin Daneshpajoohan Institute

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