Motivational Factors for Knowledge Sharing using Pedagogical Discussion Cases: Students, Educators, and Environmental Factors

Abstract

This research examines the motivational factors which affect knowledge sharing among university students during the use of pedagogical discussion cases in/out of the classroom. The research identifies three factors, namely the individual level (student’s prior knowledge, experience and self-efficacy), the lecturer level (lecturer’s prior knowledge, experience and characteristics of trust and fairness), and the environmental level (course context and diversity in team structure). The research was conducted on undergraduate business students enrolled in one of the business management courses (n = 103) and analyzed using multiple regression, a questionnaire was administered to the students and data analysis was conducted. The results of the analysis demonstrated that the student’s prior knowledge and experience, the lecturer’s prior knowledge and experience, and the course context positively influenced the level of knowledge sharing. In addition, the analysis demonstrated that the student’s self-efficacy, the lecturer’s characteristics, and the diversity in team structure have no significant influence on knowledge sharing. The implication of the study is that lecturers need to promote the students the importance of knowledge sharing as well as understanding their subject and cultivate a positive course context and learning environment to encourage knowledge sharing among the students.