Qualitative Study on Knowledge Sharing by University Hospital Medical Doctors - Focusing on Grounded Theory

Abstract

This paper utilizes grounded theory in studying the sharing of experiences by a group of university hospital medical doctors. Based on empirical data and the application of knowledge sharing theory, a theoretical framework for a comprehensive approach to knowledge sharing by doctors in the long term is developed. The 20 participants in this study all have more than 10 years of medical experience and are specialists working in university hospitals in Korea. In addition each participants also hold the position of associate professor or higher at the associated medical school. Four indepth interview and studies were conducted. For the paradigm model of grounded theory, the concepts were drawn from the causal condition, contextual condition, main context, intervening condition, interaction strategy and result. Low level categories were identified and then high level categories were extracted from them. In this study, ‘the process of development through the sharing of experience’ is identified as being the key category. This study is meaningful in that it, unlike existing studies of knowledge sharing, tries to understand and explain the significance and process of knowledge sharing as experienced by medical doctors. While most of the literature about knowledge sharing focuses on a quantitative analysis, this study utilizes qualitative methodology, particularly grounded theory, to understand the substance or meaning the doctors experienced whilst sharing their knowledge. The study suggests how to improve the quality of the knowledge concerned, organize such knowledge and/or advance its utilization and sharing.