Relationship between Organizational Culture and Knowledge Management in Academic Libraries (Case Study: Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz)

This study involves an investigation of the relationship between organizational culture and knowledge management in the libraries of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. This is an applied research following simultaneous mixed method. In the qualitative part of this study, the researchers employed Jierdzhi’s phenomenological approach. Semi-structured exploratory interviews were used to collect qualitative information, being conducted face-to-face. The statistical sample of this section was made on the basis of purposive sampling being continued until theoretical saturation. Interviews were made with 15 managers and employees of Shahid Chamran University Library in Ahvaz. Note taking and recording were also used to record information based on the research protocol designed by the researchers. To conform the validity of the tools, a three-way method of data collection was used. Internal validity has been tested by purposeful sample selection based on rich data descriptions or information richness and lengthening the interview process for in-depth understanding of the subject. The reliability, validity and acceptability of the data were tested to confirm data preciseness. The qualitative data were analyzed by inductive method. The quantitative part of this research is descriptive-correlation. The statistical population includes all managers and staff of the libraries of Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz containing 47 individuals who were selected as statistical sample due to the limited number. The data were collected through two standard organizational culture questionnaire (Cameron & Quinn, 1996) and knowledge management questionnaire (Lawson, 2003). The face validity and content validity of the questionnaires were confirmed by 5 professors having more Regarding the normality of the data, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the significance of the relationships, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. The results showed that the culture dominating the libraries is hierarchical. There is no meaningful relationship between this type of culture and knowledge management; however, there is a significant relationship between tribal or group culture, market culture and status-based culture with knowledge management. Also, the results of correlation analysis showed that group organizational culture has the highest correlation with knowledge management. It is suggested that the necessary framework for changing the hierarchical culture of the libraries under study into group culture be created so that knowledge management in these libraries can be more successfully implemented.