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The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of knowledge management (KM) in an Iranian Research Organisation in order to identify and classify the most relevant KM critical success factors.

Based on extensive review of KM literature, broad ranges of general KM critical success factors are identified. Then, through field studies and employing factor analysis techniques and Friedman test, the degree of the relevance of each particular KM critical success factors is determined. The research procedure finally led to the identification of KM critical success factors prevailing in the research organization.

Eight distinct KM factors including 22 different elements are found to be relevant and critical in the course of KM implementation in the research organization. These factors are “The presence of appropriate organizational culture”, “The existing system for knowledge documentation, recording and registration”, “The presence of motivational system for workforces”, “Appropriate management and planning for KM realization”, “The existing hardware and software infrastructures and standard executive processes in KM field”, “The presence of specialized teams including expert and skillful personnel”, “The existing appropriate organizational architecture of KM and evaluation system for realization of KM” and “The existing systematic relationship with beneficiaries of the research organization”.

The paper should be of value to researchers of KM in general, and to implementers of KM programs. It presents a range of issues critical to the adoption of KM initiatives.