Influencing factors of academic staff’ knowledge sharing: a case of government universities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate factors that determine knowledge sharing among academic staff in two higher education institutions, namely; Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) in Ethiopia. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from academic staff and managers, respectively. The observation was conducted to assess the availability of facilities for knowledge sharing. The result showed that both academic staff and managers had a positive attitude and perception towards knowledge sharing. The academic staff had trust in their colleagues and university to share their knowledge. There was no scientifically established platform for knowledge sharing, and lack of laboratories and equipment were the main constraints that limit knowledge sharing in both universities. We found that the management support in creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and the rewarding system for knowledge sharer was poor. Interestingly, intrinsic motivation was significantly higher than that of extrinsic motivation to share knowledge. Generally, the study provides valuable information about the knowledge-sharing culture and practice of AAU and AASTU. We recommend that managers of both universities should work to create more enabling knowledge-sharing platforms, opportunities and a rewarding system that can facilitate knowledge sharing.

Keywords:

• knowledge sharing
• academic staff
• higher education institution
• motivation
• trust
• management support

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Mr Misganaw Wassie for helping in proofreading the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hanna Yeshinegus

Hanna Yeshinegus, PhD (Zhengzhou Normal University ) is a postdoctoral researcher in School of Psychology at the Zhengzhou Normal University. Her research interest includes inclusion education, women empowerment and knowledge sharing education.

Jianzhong Janne Hong

Jianzhong Janne Hong, PhD (University of Eastern Finland) is a distinguished professor in School of Psychology at the Central China Normal University, and a principal researcher at the Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyber-psychology and Behaviour (Ministry of Education in China). His research interest includes new technology, learning and knowledge sharing activities, and innovative development in cross-cultural settings.