Identifying Factors Affecting the Implementation and Establishment of Knowledge Management in Digital Universities

Ezati, Mitra; Shafiei Baghbadrani, Sara

doi:10.22055/edus.2025.48262.3676

Identifying Factors Affecting the Implementation and Establishment of Knowledge Management in Digital Universities

10.22055/edus.2025.48262.3676

Volume 33, Issue 1
April 2026

Pages 189-206

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mitra Ezati ¹

sara shafiei baghbadrani ²

¹ Associate Professor, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

² Master's degree in educational management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

As digital universities leverage new technologies to disseminate knowledge across their organizations, they must identify the factors critical to effective knowledge management implementation. This study aimed to develop a paradigm model of the factors influencing the implementation and institutionalization of knowledge management in digital universities. A qualitative research design employing the systematic grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin was adopted. Eighteen experts in higher education, digital transformation, and knowledge management were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis followed the three-stage coding process of open, axial, and selective coding. The findings identified knowledge-oriented transformation in digital universities as the core category and revealed five interrelated dimensions of the paradigm model. Causal conditions included organizational infrastructure, knowledge management processes, a future-oriented organizational perspective, and adaptive organizational structures. Contextual conditions comprised institutional capabilities, digital transformation readiness, and alignment with global developments. Intervening conditions included human resource competencies, organizational climate, information technology limitations, organizational policies, and leadership practices. Strategic actions involved professional development, incentive systems, knowledge-sharing culture, career development pathways, financial support, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These strategies resulted in both individual outcomes, such as enhanced knowledge competencies, and organizational outcomes, including improved innovation, institutional learning, and organizational effectiveness. The proposed paradigm model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the institutionalization of knowledge management in digital universities and offers practical guidance for policymakers, university leaders, and higher education practitioners seeking to strengthen knowledge-driven transformation in the digital era.

Keywords

knowledge Management

Digital universities

Grounded Theory

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