Navigating the nexus of citizenship fatigue and knowledge sharing: the influence of employee vitality and tenure among university lecturers

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of employee vitality and tenure on the nexus between citizenship fatigue and knowledge-sharing behaviour among academic staff in Ghanaian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 876 faculty members from traditional and technical universities was chosen for the study using convenience sampling technique. Data was analysed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.

Findings

Results reveal that citizenship fatigue negatively influences faculty members’ knowledge-sharing behaviour. In addition, employee vitality and tenure mitigate the negative influence of citizenship fatigue on faculty members’ knowledge-sharing behaviour.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the management of higher education institutions should focus on creating a workplace culture that cultivates workplace vitality and promotes long tenure to reduce the negative influence of citizenship fatigue on the knowledge-sharing behaviour among faculty members.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the earliest attempts to examine a theoretical framework that connects citizenship fatigue, employee vitality, knowledge-sharing behaviour and employee tenure within the context of higher education.

Citation

Azila-Gbettor, E.M., Novixoxo, J.D. and Honyenuga, B.Q. (2025), "Navigating the nexus of citizenship fatigue and knowledge sharing: the influence of employee vitality and tenure among university lecturers", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 37 No. 2, pp. 114-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-03-2024-0057