Factors predicting knowledge sharing behavior of academic staff

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to identify the factors that influence academic staff's knowledge-sharing intentions and behaviors in Ethiopian higher education. A structural equation model was used to validate the research framework using survey data from 256 respondents. The collected data has been analyzed using Smart PLS software. The result indicates that the factors that affect knowledge-sharing intention include social interaction, reciprocity, management support, reward systems, and reputation. Systems integrated into teaching-learning practice, availability of information technology infrastructure, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness are among the technological factors affecting the intention to use web technology for knowledge sharing toward knowledge-sharing behavior. It has also been concluded that management support had the greatest influence, but the reward system did not affect the knowledge-sharing intention. On the other hand, the availability of IT infrastructure has the largest effect on the intention to use web technology, while perceived ease of use has the least. The contributions of this study are twofold. The framework may serve as a roadmap for future researchers and managers considering their strategy to enhance knowledge sharing in HEI. The findings will benefit academic staff, university administrations, and higher education institutions. This study gives managers a solid foundation to promote and support academic staff's usage of web technology for knowledge sharing. The study will also help academic staff enhance their current knowledge-sharing practices.