Factors influencing knowledge sharing among academics in Bowen University, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was initiated to examine the factors that influence knowledge sharing among academics in Bowen University, Nigeria. Although previous research has identified several factors that affect knowledge sharing, further research needs to be carried out to ascertain factors that affect knowledge sharing, in particular among higher academic institutions, especially in Nigeria. Due to a paucity of knowledge sharing research among faculty in Nigeria higher institutions and the fact that there is no existing framework that provides all constructs needed to interrogate knowledge sharing among academics, the study examined the influence of organisational, individual and technological factors on knowledge sharing behaviour of academics and the influence of demographic variables on how they share knowledge. Survey design guided the study and a questionnaire was used to collect data from 151 respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis and Logistic regression. Findings showed that among the organisational factors, only university policy (β= .641, p= .023) significantly influences knowledge sharing while among individual factors only trust (β= .785, p= .05) significantly influences knowledge sharing. None of the technological factors was found to influence knowledge sharing. Gender has a significant influence on knowledge sharing while academic cadre and faculty do not. Personal satisfaction, personal belief, mentoring, being knowledgeable and availability of fund/sponsorships were the other factors identified to influence knowledge sharing behaviour. The findings have extended knowledge and theory building in knowledge sharing through the conceptual framework. The study recommended that there should be a university policy on knowledge sharing which should be accompanied by rewards to motivate academics to share their knowledge.