The Effect of Social Capital on Knowledge Management Processes (Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences)

Background: Social capital as a network of communication and mutual trust in theorganization plays a crucial role in the production and creation of knowledge.Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of social capital onknowledge management processes in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study conducted on a cross-sectionalbasis in 2016. The statistical population of the study comprised all the staff (facultyand administrative members) of this university (N = 230). The questionnaires weredistributed among them and 183 questionnaires were collected. The data werecollected via the Social Capital Questionnaire (17 questions) and LawsonKnowledge Management Questionnaire (24 questions). Data were analyzed usingstatistical tests (t), path coefficients (β), SPSS22 software and structural equationtechnique using SMART PLS software.Results: The results of t-test statistics (0.60, 0.61, 0.60, 0.61, 0.59 and 0.41) andpath coefficients of β (7.32, 21.76, 21.6, 6.7, 14.49, and 2.9), respectively showedthat social capital positively and significantly affect knowledge managementprocesses (knowledge creation, knowledge absorption, knowledge organization,knowledge storage, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge utilization).Conclusion: The officials of such social institutions are recommended to identify,improve and strengthen social capital and its dimensions in order to enhance theknowledge management processes and provide them with a sustainable competitiveadvantage compared with other universities.

Keywords:

Social Capital , Knowledge Management , Knowledge Management Processes