The effect of organisational culture on attitude and intention toward knowledge sharing: a study of Iranian SMEs

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of organisational culture on knowledge sharing in small and medium sized enterprises. In order to explore the factors influencing employees’ knowledge sharing in small and medium sized enterprises, the Denison organisational culture model (involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission), which has a significant effect on knowledge sharing, is used. The research method is descriptive; the survey and data collection tool is the questionnaire. The statistical population of this study is employees of small and medium sized enterprises in Nowshahr in Iran. To analyse the data SPSS and PLS software were used. Research results were analysed using a structural equations model. Research findings show that the organisational culture and its traits (involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission) are significant predictors of employees’ attitudes and intentions with regard to knowledge sharing. Hence by recognising which factors influence knowledge sharing in small and medium sized enterprises, it is possible to encourage employees to share knowledge and to improve organisational culture by developing these factors.