Factors influencing knowledge sharing among information and communication technology artisans in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing knowledge sharing (KS) among information and communication technology (ICT) artisans in Nigeria by adopting the social exchange and social capital theories. Design/methodology/approach Survey research design was adopted. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. In total, 285 copies of questionnaire were distributed, of which 214 copies were considered useful for data analysis, giving a 75.09 per cent response rate. Findings The results show that the gender of the artisans, perceived benefits, social identification, shared language and goals had positive significant and relationships with KS except social identification where the relationship was negative. Research limitations/implications The findings and conclusion from this paper are subjected to a number of limitations. Because the population was limited to a small population and the study adopted convenience and snowball techniques, the results cannot be generalised to all ICT artisans in Nigeria. Practical implications The paper confirms the role of social exchange and social capital theories in interpreting individual’s behaviour in KS and provides useful insights on how to implement good KS practices among the artisans. Social implications This paper could assist policymakers in promoting and implementing KS practices among professionals and quasi-professionals who contribute to the gross domestic product of the country. Originality/value This paper is one of the first pieces of empirical research on KS among information technology artisans in Nigeria that used the social exchange and social capital theories.