Modeling Knowledge Management and Performance and Their Relationships in Iran Sports Federations

The aim of this study was to validate and localize Lawson’s (2002) knowledge management and Winand et al. (2009) performance models and to determine their effects and relationships in Iran sports federations. This study was a descriptive-correlation research. The population included presidents، vice presidents، general secretaries، committee managers and experts in all sports federations of Iran. The sample consisted of 300 subjects who were selected with stratified and purpose sampling method. To collect data، Lawson’s (2002) KM Questionnaire and Winand et al. (2009) Performance questionnaire were used. For data analysis، Pearson correlation coefficient test and structural equation modeling were applied. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by the experts using confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability of KM questionnaire was 0. 93 and performance questionnaire was 0. 85. Results showed that the model of the relationship between KM and performance had a good fit index (P=0. 036، RMSEA=0. 037، GFI=0. 97). The results indicated that KM and its dimensions had a significant and positive effect on the performance of sports federations. KM was able to predict 55% of performance variation. Sports federations can use the results of the present study to understand KM practices better and to measure performance level.