An empirical study of knowledge sharing: A case of South African healthcare system

Abstract

The importance of knowledge sharing in healthcare organisations cannot be overemphasised. This is mainly due to the dynamic and sensitive nature of knowledge within the healthcare sector that can assist in caring for the patients and other administrative operations. The absence of knowledge sharing and retention practice in healthcare organisations may result in negative repercussions. Hence, using Actor-Network Theory, the study will investigate and identify the factors influencing the current knowledge sharing taking place within the South African healthcare system. One of the top healthcare organisations was selected for data collection, and a qualitative research method was adopted in this study. The findings revealed the different actors involved in the sharing of knowledge and the networks that enable knowledge sharing and retention. The study also highlights the factors that triggered knowledge sharing.