This study analyzes the causal relationships between the personal dimension of workplace friendships—specifically friend competence and trustworthiness—and knowledge management processes (knowledge generation, storage, sharing, and application) in government universities. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were gathered from 14,000 responses across government universities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed, revealing a significant positive impact of workplace friendships on knowledge management. Trust and openness among colleagues foster collaboration, enhance idea sharing, and support knowledge preservation. The study highlights the novel link between the personal aspects of workplace friendships and organizational knowledge processes, filling a gap in the literature, particularly within the Middle Eastern higher education context.