Title: Innovativeness and knowledge management in public sector enterprises

Authors: Javad Tajdini; Omid Tajeddini

Addresses: Science and Research Branch, Sociology Department, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ' Communication Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Director of Public Relations, Tehran Power Transmission Maintenances Engineering Co, No. 2, Iran Zamin St. Khovardin Ave., Shahrak Ghods (Gharb) Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to extend to previous research and aims to examine the effect of innovation and sharing knowledge on the performance of state owned enterprises (SOEs) in Iran. Theories of innovation and knowledge management are combined with a strategic model to examine a survey of 110 Iranian public sector managers and frontline employees in Tehran. The findings include: 1) innovativeness is associated with improved business performance, job satisfaction, and overall performance; 2) A strong knowledge sharing is correlated with higher levels of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, and overall performance. All data were collected in a cross-sectional manner with public organisation bearing their own restrictions and, therefore, all we can conclude is that the role variables and their posited consequences are related at one point in time. The results of this research are critical and interesting for public managers. From empirical evidence, the authors found that SOE managers must regard organisational innovation and sharing knowledge as two essential strategic capabilities for a superior performance in terms of satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Keywords: state owned enterprises; innovation; sharing knowledge; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/MEJM.2018.093613

Middle East Journal of Management, 2018 Vol.5 No.3, pp.271 - 295

Received: 05 Aug 2017
Accepted: 11 Oct 2017
Published online: 30 Jul 2018 *

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