Academic staff perceptions of knowledge sharing practices in the Faculty of Communication and Information Science, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Rationale of Study – The purpose of this study was to find out whether academics in the Faculty of Communication and Information Science, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe freely share academic knowledge.

Methodology – The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Using a census method, a questionnaire was administered to 55 academics in the faculty.  Data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel, frequency count and simple percentages.

Findings – The results indicate that academics in the faculty are aware of the importance of sharing knowledge but they do not share it frequently as and  when it is necessary; NUST creates an environment for knowledge sharing though the Internet is not reliable for easy access of online digital  resources, connectivity and flow of knowledge; academics require knowledge for postgraduate supervision, writing grant proposals.

Implications – This paper can be used as a stepping stone to develop an institutionalised written university knowledge management policy to help set  standards and initialise the knowledge sharing and transfer in the Faculty of Communication and Information Science at NUST.

Originality – This empirical study will contribute to the theoretical knowledge on knowledge sharing in the higher education sector, which has been  neglected in universities. It also contributes to knowledge on KM in the institutions of higher learning.