Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Professor in Knowledge and Information Sciences, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
2 Associate Professor in Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
3 Master Student in Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.
Abstract
Purpose: The role of knowledge and specialized human resources is essential for organizational success. The education sector, as a large and complex organization, is no exception, as reflected in the emphasis on developing general, professional, and specialized competencies within teacher ranking regulations. This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organizational creativity (OC), with professional development (PD) considered as a mediating variable.
Methodology: This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The research population consisted of 140 education staff members in Khorramabad City. Using stratified random sampling method and the Krejcie and Morgan table, 103 participants were selected. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Findings: The results indicated that KM had a significant positive effect on OC (β = 0.357). KM also had a significant positive effect on PD (β = 0.531). Furthermore, PD showed a significant positive impact on OC (β = 0.241).
Conclusion: Knowledge management significantly enhances organizational creativity both directly and indirectly, with a total effect of β = 0.485, while professional development functions as a mediating variable.
Value: Organizational creativity can be strengthened by converting employees’ tacit knowledge and experiences into explicit knowledge that can be shared across the organization and by aligning knowledge‑enhancement programs with employees’ professional needs. These mechanisms support professional development and subsequently foster organizational creativity.
Keywords
- Knowledge Management
- Organizational Creativity
- Professional Development
- Education Staff
- Structural Equation Modeling
Main Subjects
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