Understanding of knowledge sharing: Academics’ perspective
List of Authors
  • Aishath Shina

Keyword
  • knowledge sharing, academics, higher education institution

Abstract
  • Knowledge is seen as the most important strategic resource in an organisation, especially in universities where knowledge is produced, applied and disseminated among academics. Studies on knowledge sharing have emerged as a key research area that has gained attention especially during the twentieth century. Though the topic is popular, the construct has not been well defined theoretically nor has it been properly operationalized. As there appears little consistency, it is very difficult to define knowledge sharing. This apparent lack of consistency is problematic for developing an understanding of the term. In this regard, this study intends to explore the definitions of knowledge sharing as perceived by academics’ in higher education institutions in Maldives. This study employed qualitative approach to collect data, consisting of nine semi-structured interviews of academics, from three higher education institutions. Participants were selected by utilizing purposeful sampling technique. Initial thematic approach revealed two main themes. The emergent themes are presented by using instances from interview transcripts which is linked and supported by literature. This study reports preliminary findings, and final results will be reported when data analysis is fully completed.

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