Knowledge Sharing Practices Among Faculty Members in Institution of Higher Learning

Abstract

Currently, the growth of knowledge management (KM) concept is rapidly increasing due to the importance of knowledge in organizations. Knowledge sharing is a key factor to ensure the successful implementation of KM in any organization. Knowledge sharing is a process of communicating, transmitting, and exchanging knowledge that involves individuals which benefits themselves and organizations. This paper investigates the knowledge sharing practices among faculty members in an institution of higher learning in the North region of Malaysia. In this pilot study, a questionnaire was used which included general demographic information of respondents, the techniques, benefits, hinders’ and motivating factors for knowledge sharing. The questionnaires were distributed to the selected twenty-eight faculty members of the institution of which twenty-three had responded. The results reveal that a majority of respondents are aware of KM and hundred percent supported the idea of implementing KM in their organization. The faculty members shared their knowledge, experiences, and ideas mostly through e-group. The variables of concerning factors (support from top management or organization; rewards and incentives schemes; trust; and information and communication technology (ICT)) for knowledge sharing have also been portrayed in this study. Lack of trust among colleagues, lack of reward and incentive schemes, and the reluctance of staff to share because of ‘knowledge is power’ are the major factors that obstruct knowledge sharing among them. The results also disclose monetary rewards, effective communication channels, and recognition are identified as the motivating factors to knowledge sharing. The faculty members believe that knowledge sharing brings benefits such as better decision making and improve employees’ knowledge, skills, and competencies. The results are useful to identify the strategies to promote knowledge sharing and its benefits in an institution of higher learning.