Factors impacting on the knowledge transfer of foreign african doctors practicing in south african provincial hospitals

Abstract

This study assesses the perceptions of foreign African doctors, practicing in South African provincial hospitals, of the impact of individual culture, language and communication and interpersonal relations on knowledge transfer. A sample of 62 foreign African doctors who obtained their degrees at medical schools outside South Africa and who are now living and practicing in South African provincial hospitals was drawn using snowball sampling. Data was collected using a self-developed, self-administered questionnaire whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that language and communication has the greatest impact on knowledge transfer, negligibly followed by interpersonal relations and then individual culture. Recommendations are made in attempts to reduce the negative impact of these dimensions on the transfer of knowledge and to enhance knowledge sharing.