The Factors affecting Knowledge Sharing at the Iranian Ministry of Sports

Background. Knowledge today is a strategic factor in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage for power in an organization, but merely having knowledge only as an asset does not create value. The sharing and dissemination of knowledge with other members within and outside the organization will provide a space for the creation of new and valuable knowledge assets. Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize factors affecting knowledge sharing and dissemination in Iran's ministry of youth and sports. Methods. This study employed the qualitative research method. The study population included all managers, advisers, and experts of the ministry and faculty members informed in the field of knowledge management within the ministry. In the first stage, purposive sampling based on theoretical l approach and 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Using coding method seven main factors were detected by MAXQDA software. The next step was to prioritize and interpretive structural modeling and the opinion of eight experts and academic professors was used. Results. After analyzing the data, factors affecting knowledge sharing were put into 5 levels. Leadership factors were placed at the bottom of the model and the individual factors placed at the highest level. Conclusion. The insight that this model offers can help in the success and effectiveness of KM activities in this ministry.