Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour: The influence of motivation and intention on non-academic staff of higher learning institutions
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 10 April 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employee motivation and intention for knowledge sharing behaviour. Inter-generational differences (generations X and Y only) were assumed to moderate in the relationship between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research also aims to test the role of behavioural intention as mediation between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
This research tested a conceptual framework derived from widely accepted theories. This study was carried out on non-academic staff working at the different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Respondents from private and public higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry.
Findings
Results indicate that non-academic staff knowledge sharing behaviour was significantly mediated by intention between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour relationship. More specifically, inter-generational differences (generations X and Y) play a significant moderation role between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of this cross-sectional study can be strengthened by adopting a longitudinal approach in the next phase of the study.
Practical implications
The results of this research highlighted that the higher learning institutions need to institutionalize knowledge sharing behaviour among their non-academic staff (executive and non-executive) by facilitating knowledge sharing-oriented work environment.
Originality/value
This paper has attempted to furnish a comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.
Keywords
Citation
Rahman, M.S., Daud, N.M. and Hassan, H. (2017), "Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour: The influence of motivation and intention on non-academic staff of higher learning institutions", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 325-342. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-05-2016-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited