Understanding the Impact of Knowledge Management Practices on Organizational Learning and Adaptability in the Technology Sector
Keywords:
Knowledge management, organizational learning, adaptability, technology sector, qualitative research, Tehran, knowledge sharing, resilienceAbstract
This study aims to explore how knowledge management (KM) practices influence organizational learning processes and adaptability within technology firms operating in Tehran. Using a qualitative research design, this study employed semi-structured interviews with 21 professionals working in various roles within the technology sector in Tehran, including project managers, IT staff, R&D specialists, and mid-level executives. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. The analysis focused on identifying key themes related to KM infrastructure, organizational learning mechanisms, and adaptability strategies, drawing on participants' lived experiences to develop a contextual understanding of how KM functions in knowledge-intensive environments. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) Knowledge Management Infrastructure, including technological tools, cultural readiness, and codification processes; (2) Organizational Learning Processes, such as knowledge sharing, experiential learning, and retention mechanisms; and (3) Organizational Adaptability, including responsiveness to change, innovation capacity, and learning agility. Participants described how KM systems enabled faster decision-making, supported continuous improvement, and enhanced resilience to environmental disruptions. The integration of KM with strategic planning and change readiness was found to be particularly critical in enabling dynamic adaptation in fast-paced technology environments. The findings underscore the strategic role of KM in shaping learning capabilities and adaptive responses within technology organizations. An integrated KM approach—comprising digital infrastructure, cultural alignment, and structural mechanisms—can significantly enhance a firm’s ability to learn, innovate, and remain resilient in volatile markets. The study offers practical implications for KM implementation and sets the stage for further research in diverse organizational contexts.
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