Investigating the Knowledge Sharing Culture Among Academicians in Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia

Abstract

The research examined the existence of a knowledge sharing culture among academicians in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Zambia. It specifically sought to investigate knowledge sharing and identify factors that aid or hinder knowledge sharing activities among academicians. The exercise was carried out through a survey of 15 randomly selected colleges and universities in the country. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires and interviews. The first involved the administering of 135 questionnaires, while the second involved conducting interviews with 15 key informants from management in the sampled HLIs as a means of verifying data collected through questionnaires. After carefully analysing the data, the study found found that a knowledge shairing culture exists among academicians in HLIs in Zambia. It was found that academicians engaged in frequent knowledge exchanges amongst themselves and preferred doing so in meetings and via person-to-person interactions. Institutional policies and knowledge sharing initiatives were identified as the major factors influencing knowledge sharing, while lack of motivation and inadequate infrastructure support as the major hindrances to knowledge sharing. The results brought to fore the information on the state of knowledge sharing in higher education in Zambia and draws attention to factors that influence knowledge sharing activities. The study recommended that (i) further research be carried to identify academicians' knowledge seeking behaviour and (ii) the formulation of relevant policies to address the need for motivators and improved infrastructure support. These would enable HLIs leverage their knowledge in today's competitive world.