Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Tropical and Communicable Diseases Research Center, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences Iranshahr, Iran
2
Department of Anesthesiology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
3
Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/fmej.2025.90664.1697
Abstract
Background: In healthcare and educational environments, effective KM is essential for fostering creativity and innovation, ultimately improving service delivery, educational outcomes, and patient care. This study examined the relationship between KM, creativity, and innovation among employees at educational and therapeutic centers affiliated to Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 employees using a census method. Data were collected using two validated instruments: Karamitri et al.’s Knowledge Management Questionnaire (2020), and Sajjadi et al.’s Organizational Creativity Questionnaire (2025). Statistical analyses comprised descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: Employees reported moderate levels of KM (mean = 2.73 ± 0.57), creativity (mean = 2.99 ± 0.80), and innovation (mean = 3.20 ± 0.62). Knowledge sharing (2.97 ± 0.69) and knowledge identification (2.95 ± 0.72) were the highest-scoring KM dimensions, whereas knowledge utilization scored the lowest (2.36 ± 0.95). KM demonstrated a strong positive correlation with creativity (r = 0.661, p < 0.001), explaining 43.7% of its variance, and a moderate correlation with innovation (r = 0.325, p < 0.001). Creativity showed a weaker but significant association with innovation (r = 0.201, p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses indicated higher KM and creativity scores among male employees and those with fewer than five years of experience.
Conclusion: Structured KM practices, especially knowledge sharing and acquisition, play a central role in enhancing employee creativity.
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