Analysis Of Factors Influencing Knowledge Flow Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques (The Case Of Study: Knowledge-Based Companies In Yazd Science And Technology Park)

Mirghafoori, Seyyed Habibollah; Rayatpoor, Mohamad Mohsen; Saffari Darberazi, Ali

doi:10.47176/smok.2025.1940

Analysis Of Factors Influencing Knowledge Flow Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques (The Case Of Study: Knowledge-Based Companies In Yazd Science And Technology Park)

Document Type : Case study

Authors

¹ Associate Professor of Industrial Management, Faculty of Economics, Management, and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

² M.Sc. in Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, University of Science and Arts, Yazd, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bam Higher Education Complex, Bam, Iran

10.47176/smok.2025.1940

Abstract

Purpose: In the knowledge-based era, knowledge as an intangible asset plays a vital role in the success of organizations. Knowledge flow, which relies on information exchange and collaboration among individuals, facilitates the updating of knowledge and the advancement of new research. Knowledge-based companies, as key players in the knowledge-driven economy, require effective management of knowledge flow to maintain competitiveness and foster innovation. This study aims to identify and prioritize the factors influencing knowledge flow in knowledge-based companies located in the Yazd Science and Technology Park.
Methodology: This research employs multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, including SWARA, ARAS, and COCOSO. Initially, factors affecting knowledge flow were extracted through a comprehensive review of literature and prior research. Subsequently, questionnaires were designed and distributed to experts, including managers, employees of knowledge-based companies, and academic professionals. The statistical population of this study consisted of managers and employees of knowledge-based companies in the Yazd Science and Technology Park, as well as academic experts. The collected data were analyzed and ranked using the aforementioned techniques. Finally, the results were integrated using the rank averaging method.
Findings: The results revealed that the most significant factors influencing knowledge flow in knowledge-based companies are management support and commitment (C8), continuous training (C4), IT infrastructure (E1), teamwork (A2), work ethic (A1), and support for teamwork (B5). These factors, in order of priority, play a key role in facilitating knowledge flow. Management support and commitment emerged as the most critical factor, highlighting the significant impact of leadership in fostering an organizational culture conducive to knowledge exchange. Continuous training and IT infrastructure were also identified as vital factors, enabling access to and updating of knowledge. Teamwork and work ethic, as human factors, enhance interaction and collaboration among employees.`
Research limitations/implications: While this study employs an innovative combination of multi-criteria methods to comprehensively analyze knowledge flow factors, it has certain limitations, including its focus on companies in Yazd Science and Technology Park (which necessitates additional studies to generalize findings to other regions) and partial reliance on expert opinions (which may be subject to cognitive biases). Nevertheless, the findings can serve as a foundation for designing policy models in technology parks, developing training programs to enhance human factors affecting knowledge flow, and improving technological infrastructure in knowledge-based companies. Furthermore, the proposed hybrid methodology can provide a framework for future research in other knowledge management domains.
Practical implications: The findings of this study can significantly assist managers of knowledge-based companies in developing operational strategies to enhance knowledge flow. Specifically, highlighting the crucial role of "management support and commitment" underscores the need for senior executives to foster an organizational culture conducive to knowledge sharing. Additionally, identifying key factors such as "continuous training" and "IT infrastructure" provides clear directions for future investments. The study recommends that policymakers in science and technology parks design specialized support programs to strengthen teamwork and develop knowledge infrastructure. On a broader scale, the proposed model can serve as a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of national-level initiatives aimed at developing knowledge-based ecosystems.
Originality/value: This study offers unique scientific originality and value from multiple perspectives. Methodologically, the innovative integration of three multi-criteria decision-making techniques (SWARA, ARAS, and COCOSO) for analyzing knowledge flow factors presents a pioneering approach in knowledge management literature, enhancing result accuracy and reliability while enabling comprehensive findings comparison. The research's focus on knowledge-based companies in Yazd Science and Technology Park as a distinctive sample of Iran's innovation ecosystems addresses existing gaps in regional studies. The practical findings, particularly identifying "management support and commitment" as a key factor, not only emphasize leadership's vital role in shaping knowledge-oriented culture but also provide an operational framework for policymaking in other science and technology parks nationwide. Furthermore, the study bridges theory and practice through empirical evidence of simultaneous impacts from human factors (e.g., work ethics) and technological factors (e.g., IT infrastructure) on knowledge flow, transcending traditional boundaries in knowledge management research. Notably, this represents the first study simultaneously applying SWARA, ARAS, and COCOSO methods to analyze knowledge flow in Iranian knowledge-based companies, significantly enhancing its scientific value and innovation.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Knowledge Management Strategy

License

Published by Imam Hossein University. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

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