Knowledge Sharing among Academics in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Research Agenda

Abstract

The emergence of a new economy has been viewed by many for latest developments where knowledge has become a valuable asset and resource. Since things have changed rapidly in this new economy, the concern is not just what you learn, but also how you can apply what you learn quickly and capture what you have learned. In many ways, knowledge sharing is seen as one of the academic institutions' natural activities. The academic number of conferences, seminars, workshops and publications far exceeds any other signifying the eagerness, profession and kindness of academics to share knowledge. This paper aimed to identify the current state of knowledge sharing activities among academic staff in Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs), to point out the important knowledge sharing activities for academics, to find out the most important technologies that are used in developing and gaining knowledge sharing. In addition, it is also aimed at understanding general attitude towards of academics knowledge sharing, to ascertain knowledge sharing motivators and to determine the possible factors that, in their opinion, pose barriers in knowledge sharing activities among academics in IHLs. The overall findings revealed that Knowledge sharing is vital to the success of knowledge management practices in all organizations, inclusive of IHLs and effective knowledge sharing among academics is essential for IHLs.