Impact of Knowledge Management Processes on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study in Institute of Technical Learning –Iraq

Abstract

Even though knowledge in itself is nothing new, but how to effectively management it is a concern of all organizations, inclusive of university. In Iraq, there is concern by universities to manage knowledge scientifically in order to keep pace with scientific development and to reduce the gap between Iraq's universities and those of developed countries. Knowledge is considered the main distinguishing factor of organization success and is seen as the foundation of competitive advantage. In fact, despite the wide literature on knowledge management processes in western organizations, empirical studies are so rare in relation to Iraqi universities.                                                                                                                           From this point comes this research to deal directly with the knowledge management relationships with performance of colleges in the Institute of Technical Learning. To achieve this, a sample of 33 department's chairs was chosen. The study found significant correlations between knowledge management processes and organizational performance indicators.

Survey findings highlight the following points: The surveyed departments' chairs show practical interest toward knowledge management processes. This is apparent through considerable attention to scientific research, creativity and innovation, and retain knowledge and retrieval it at the appropriate time.

Findings also disclosed a significant impact of knowledge management operations on the indicators of organizational performance. Finally, research concluded with necessary suggestions that emphasize the importance of having research and development units in the colleges studied to generate new knowledge that can be used in enhancing organizational performance.

Keywords: knowledge management processes, organizational performance, departments' chairs, Institute of Technical Learning