IJER © Serials Publications
11(1), Jan.-June 2014: 463-480
ISSN: 0972-9380
Transformational Leadership Style and
Knowledge Management among University
Administrators in Malaysia: Examining the
Moderating Effect of Organizational
Structure
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Abstract: The study examines the relationships between transformational leadership
style, knowledge management and organizational structure using a field study of 255
administrators in one public University in Malaysia. The findings of this study reveal
that transformational leadership style is a vital in promoting knowledge management
practices in an organization. Specifically, the result of this study reveals that idealized
influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized
consideration of transformational leadership style significantly influence knowledge
management practices. Organizational structure found to moderate the effects of
transformational leadership on knowledge management indicating that organizational
structure plays a crucial role in assisting the leaders to manage knowledge across the
organization. The findings of this study have significant contribution to the body of
knowledge in the field of knowledge management as well as practical implication to
public institutions in Malaysia.
Keywords: Transformational leadership, knowledge management, administrator,
organizational structure
1. INTRODUCTION
The concern of the government of Malaysia in developing the nation through
knowledge-based economy has become evident. With the aim to become high income
nation by year 2020, the knowledge-based economy seen as vital to accelerate a rapid
rate of economic growth and enhance international competitiveness. Government
organizations are urged to develop a more knowledgeable organization, especially in
managing resources and providing public services (Syed-Ikhsan and Rowland, 2004).
In the higher education sector, knowledge management is considered as a process of
* School of Business Management, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malyasia, 06010, Sintok, Kedah.