FACTORS INFLUENCING KNOWLEDGE SHARING AMONGST HIGHER EDUCATION ACADEMICS AT A UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the factors influencing knowledge sharing amongst higher education academics, using the actor-network theory (ANT) as a theoretical lens. Knowledge sharing in higher education is not institutionalised, therefore knowledge is not always captured nor systematically stored and organised. This leads to a lack of retention of valuable institutional know-how, inefficient work processes and reinventing the wheel. The research questions revealed social, process and technology factors as affecting the formation, growth, stability, and institutionalisation of knowledge sharing in a network of aligned interests. ANT was utilised in conjunction with historical and contextual analysis, tracing the development of the explicit sociotechnical conditions within which to enable sharing of knowledge amongst academics. The study was qualitative in nature, employing an interpretive case study methodology. Semi-structured questions were used to interview eighteen academic staff members as actors from a University of Technology in South Africa, exploring the factors inductively. Culture and management support emerged as the most important social factors. Management is identified to hold a significant position in influencing the uptake and sustainability of knowledge sharing. Factors of technology and processes are centred on facilitating opportunities to share and ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledge sharing strategies should adopt a blend of personal interaction and technology-based approaches. A general framework of factors influencing the formation, growth and institutionalisation of knowledge sharing was developed to inform knowledge sharing strategies in higher education. Recommendations are made in light of these factors for implementation by higher education managers.

Keywords: Knowledge Management, Knowledge Sharing, Actor-network Theory, Higher Education, Sociotechnical Factors

How to cite this paper: Twum-Darko, M., & Harker, L. A. L. (2015). Factors influencing knowledge sharing amongst higher education academics at a university in South Africa. Corporate Ownership & Control, 12(2-2), 280-292. https://doi.org/10.22495/cocv12i2c2p2