Organizational climate and its influence on brokers’ knowledge transfer activities: A structural equation modeling

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the processes involved in transferring knowledge into action. Obviously an interesting subject of research, it is worthwhile delving into the role played by knowledge brokers in bridging the gap between research and practice. This paper investigates the relationship between organizational climate and brokers’ knowledge transfer activities. The structural equation model was tested, using survey data from 301 respondents who primarily carry out their professional activities in health services, such as knowledge brokers. The results suggest two major findings: first, that the organizational climate as a multidimensional concept has a direct positive impact on the brokers’ knowledge transfer activities; secondly, that the organizational climate, characterized by the autonomy granted to brokers and a cooperative climate play an indirect role in affecting the knowledge transfer activities through the mediation of the organizational support provided to brokers.

► Organizational support can be a facilitator of strategic behavior, enabling organizations to forge collaborative linkage rather than merely track the knowledge base of brokers.
► With the presence of an organizational climate conducive to innovation, brokers are encouraged to carry out effectively their activities of knowledge transfer.
► In an organizational climate conducive to collaboration, interest organizations are more inclined to support brokers’ motivation and for them to effectively carry out their knowledge transfer activities.
► In a climate characterized by high autonomy, knowledge brokers are able to self-organize their knowledge and their communication networks, which enables them to receive support from their organization.