The impact of knowledge sharing enablers on knowledge sharing behavior: an empirical study
VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems
ISSN: 2059-5891
Article publication date: 11 November 2020
Issue publication date: 11 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Academic institutions play a crucial role in social and economic development. They share responsibilities to equip students with knowledge and skills. This study aims to examine and investigate the impact of knowledge sharing enablers (KSE) on knowledge sharing behavior (KSB). The paper measured KSE through perceived instructor support of knowledge sharing instructor support (IS), perceived information and communication technology (ICT) support of knowledge sharing and perceived ability to share knowledge (ASK).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. A sample of 597 students from Al Ain University in UAE participated in the study. The collected data were treated and analyzed through MS Excel and International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was used in formulating a conceptual framework. Several statistical techniques, including partial least square structural equation modeling, were used to test and verify hypotheses.
Findings
Findings of the study supported TRA theory by suggesting a positive and significant impact of KSE (IS, ICT and ASK) on KSB. The findings supported the stated three hypotheses and confirmed that at least 45% of the variation in students’ KSB is explained by a variation in one of the three KSE indicators. The paper provided important theoretical and practical implications for researchers and managers of academic institutions.
Originality/value
Academic institutions need to advance their strategies to create more collaborative environments for boosting knowledge sharing among students. Such practice will contribute in improving the students’ overall capabilities, skills and success of academic institutions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The researchers would like to thank Al Ain University for facilitating data collection and receiving research incentives for this paper. The authors are also very grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their insightful and valuable comments and suggestions.
Citation
Eletter, S., El Refae, G.A. and Kaba, A. (2022), "The impact of knowledge sharing enablers on knowledge sharing behavior: an empirical study", VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, Vol. 52 No. 1, pp. 102-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-04-2020-0065
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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