Knowledge sharing among public sector employees: evidence from Malaysia
05 Apr 2011-International Journal of Public Sector Management (Emerald Group Publishing Limited)-Vol. 24, Iss: 3, pp 206-226
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey-based methodology employing a research questionnaire was used to elicit the views of public sector employees towards the importance of knowledge sharing (KS); identify the barriers to KS; and identify initiatives that may encourage KS.
Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to: identify the views of public sector employees towards the importance of Knowledge Sharing (KS); identify the barriers to KS; and identify initiatives that may encourage KS.Design/methodology/approach – The design employed in this research was mainly descriptive in nature. A survey‐based methodology employing a research questionnaire was used to elicit the views of public sector employees towards KS. A total of 320 questionnaires were randomly distributed and 170 were successfully collected, giving a response rate of 60 percent.Findings – The results showed that the respondents were very positive in their views towards “importance of KS” and they also strongly felt that knowledge was a source of competitive advantage. However, they were of the view that the importance of knowledge sharing was not clearly communicated and many of them were not sure whether KS strategy existed in their department. The public sector employees also showed self‐serving biases when...
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TL;DR: Two barriers, degree of courage and degree of empathy, which measured organizational climate, were found to have a significant main effect on knowledge sharing and had a moderating effect on the relationship between motivating factors and knowledge sharing.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect knowledge sharing in a public sector organization.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on quantitative research. The data were gathered through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression.Findings – Community‐related considerations, normative considerations and personal benefits were three motivators found to have a unique contribution to the variance in knowledge sharing. The following enablers had a significant main effect on knowledge sharing: social interaction, rewards, and organizational support. Two barriers, degree of courage and degree of empathy, which measured organizational climate, were found to have a significant main effect on knowledge sharing. The interaction of normative consideration with social interaction, personal benefit with organizational support, and normative considerations with degree of courage, had a moderating effect on the relationship between motivating factors and knowledge...
352 citations
Cites background from "Knowledge sharing among public sect..."
...Few studies focus on knowledge sharing in the public sector (Sandhu et al., 2011; Yusof et al., 2012)....
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...In the past 20 years, significant changes have occurred in the public sector, moving from a traditional, bureaucratic approach to a more managerial one (Sandhu et al., 2011)....
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TL;DR: Positive attitudes towards knowledge sharing were found and their intentions in this area were also good, which may be related to their belief that knowledge sharing will improve and extend their relationships with colleagues.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the limited previous research on knowledge sharing in universities, by profiling the attitudes of and intentions towards knowledge sharing of UK academics, and by profiling their views of some of the factors that might be expected to impact on knowledge sharing activitiesDesign/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based survey was used to gather a profile of UK academics' attitudes and intentions towards knowledge sharing and related factors, including expected rewards and associations, expected contribution, normative beliefs on knowledge sharing, leadership, structure, autonomy, affiliation to institution, affiliation to discipline, and technology platform Responses were received from 230 academics in 11 universitiesFindings – Respondents had positive attitudes towards knowledge sharing and their intentions in this area were also good This may be related to their belief that knowledge sharing will improve and extend their relationships with c
329 citations
Cites background or result from "Knowledge sharing among public sect..."
...The high level of positive attitudes and intentions with respect to knowledge sharing is consistent with previous research in other public sector organisations (e.g. Gorry, 2008; Sandhu et al., 2011)....
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...Managers also have a hand in the development of IT systems, reward systems, opportunities for interaction, and the availability of time for knowledge-sharing (Sandhu et al., 2011)....
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...…a strong body of research into knowledge management and knowledge sharing in commercial environments, and growing interest in knowledge management in public sector organisations (e.g. Brown and Brudney, 2003; Sandhu et al., 2011), research into knowledge management in universities is very limited....
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed an integrative model that explores the determinants of green innovation with a focus being placed on knowledge sharing and found that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between green requirements and new green product success.
Abstract: Building on the Porter hypothesis, which posits that regulatory stringency triggers innovation and thereby allows firms to achieve the dual purpose of environment protection and enhanced business performance, the present research develops an integrative model that explores the determinants of green innovation with a focus being placed on knowledge sharing. Data were collected from 203 green innovation project leaders from electronics manufacturers operating in China. The results indicate that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between green requirements and new green product success as well as that between green requirements and green product and process innovations. Interestingly, the empirical analysis rejects the hypothesized positive influence of green requirements on green product and process innovations as well as that on new green product success, while confirming that there exists a direct and positive association between green requirements and knowledge sharing. The direct positive impact of knowledge sharing is the strongest on green process innovation. This study provides a theoretical basis for investigating the possible determinants in the causal links between green requirements and green innovation success and establishes that knowledge sharing and green process innovation may be the points where leverage can be applied to best secure innovation success. Implications of the findings on environmental policy and law design are also discussed to see how the regulatory role of the government can be better positioned to facilitate compliance and innovation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
194 citations
TL;DR: In insights into the knowledge-sharing–attitude–behaviour–work performance linkage are provided, which addresses a relatively neglected area in knowledge management research, namely, that of individual knowledge behaviours and their performance impact.
Abstract: Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine whether individual-level knowledge sharing (in terms of attitudes, benefit estimations, self-efficacy and actualised behaviours) affects individual work performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypotheses are tested through structural equation modelling of survey data collected from 595 members of a public organisation.
Findings
The findings confirm the hypothesis that knowledge-sharing propensity impacts positively on knowledge-sharing behaviour. Additionally, knowledge-sharing behaviour mediates the relationship between knowledge-sharing propensity and individual performance. The latter effect is also significant amongst the most highly educated members of the organisation but not among those with the lowest educational levels.
Originality/value
This paper provides insights into the knowledge-sharing–attitude–behaviour–work performance linkage. It thus addresses a relatively neglected area in knowledge management (KM) research, namely, that of individual knowledge behaviours and their performance impact, with an aim to better understand the micro-foundations of KM. It also contributes to knowledge on KM in the public sector.
140 citations
Cites background from "Knowledge sharing among public sect..."
...Additionally, most research on knowledge sharing concentrates on private companies, with relatively few empirical studies on knowledge sharing in public sector organisations (Amayah, 2013; Sandhu et al., 2011; Willem and Buelens, 2007)....
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...This means that knowledge is considered their key resource (Willem and Buelens, 2007; Sandhu et al., 2011; Siong et al., 2011); therefore, facilitating knowledge sharing and improving the management of knowledge are seen as critical challenges in the public sector (Silvi and Cuganesan, 2006; Kim and Lee, 2006)....
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...This means that knowledge is considered their key resource (Willem and Buelens, 2007; Sandhu et al., 2011; Siong et al., 2011); therefore, facilitating knowledge sharing and improving the management of knowledge are seen as critical challenges in the public sector (Silvi and Cuganesan, 2006; Kim…...
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TL;DR: This paper offers some theoretical and practical insights on what contributes toward understating the determinates affecting knowledge sharing practices among academics among academics.
Abstract: Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to help in providing a better understanding on knowledge sharing amongst academics in higher education institutions (HEIs). The aim of this study is realized by profiling existing literature to understand the determinants of knowledge sharing, research trends, theories, and future research opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
After carefully examining the extant literature and by utilizing relevant academic-based research databases, a total of 73 papers published in peer-reviewed journals over the last decade were reviewed and analyzed using well-established systematic literature review methodology.
Findings
The adopted systematic review revealed that there are limited contributions in understanding knowledge sharing in HEIs when compared with other sectors. The review provides a number of avenues for future research including technological, cultural, organizational, and behavioral aspects at different levels.
Practical implications
This study helps in offering a focal point to senior management in HEIs for realizing the requirements for developing appropriate strategies and programs to promote knowledge sharing among academics and consequently enhance their institutions’ performance.
Originality/value
This study utilized Jesson et al. (2011) in presenting a comprehensive systematic review of knowledge sharing specifically in the context of HEIs. This paper offers some theoretical and practical insights on what contributes toward understating the determinates affecting knowledge sharing practices among academics.
135 citations
References
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TL;DR: This paper examined some institutional determinants of trust, using data from the World Values Survey 1990-1993 and the International Telecommunications Union Yearbook, finding that trust is increasing in the ease of two-way communication, particularly in urbanized economies.
Abstract: In making cross-country social comparisons, `trust' has usually been treated as a culturally determined primitive. However, understanding the determinants of trust would enhance our understanding of its effects on the nature of contracting and on organizational structure. Theories of economists and sociologists generally predict a positive relationship between trust and information flows. We examine some institutional determinants of trust, using data from the World Values Survey 1990–1993 and the International Telecommunications Union Yearbook. Our finding that trust is increasing in the ease of two-way communication, particularly in urbanized economies, calls into question the extreme viewpoint that trust is purely a historical residue.
138 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that increases in team knowledge variety lead to improvements in the effectiveness of the solutions generated by a team, which in turn enhance their organization's adaptive ability.
Abstract: This article describes how knowledge management systems can enhance the effectiveness of teams that analyze complex, non-recurring problems by improving the way that team composition evolves. Knowledge management systems reduce the costs of searching for specialized knowledge resources, making it more likely that teams will incorporate a diversity of knowledge. Drawing on the concept of requisite variety, this article argues that increases in team knowledge variety lead to improvements in the effectiveness of the solutions generated by a team, which in turn enhance their organization's adaptive ability. This process also reinforces the existing distribution of knowledge within the organization, increasing employee specialization. The author develops a series of propositions and combines them into a research model from which he draws implications for researchers and managers.
132 citations
"Knowledge sharing among public sect..." refers background in this paper
...Most research in the 90s also emphasized on the technological aspect of KM where more focus was given on the KM systems ( Gray, 2000...
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01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: This chapter takes a look at this area in terms of developing and applying a knowledge sharing effectiveness inventory in order to rate how well an organization is performing knowledge sharing activities.
Abstract: A key element of knowledge management is building and nurturing a knowledge sharing culture. A number of organizations are developing knowledge sharing proficiencies as part of their recognition and reward systems. Knowledge sharing effectiveness is a critical aspect of knowledge management, and this chapter takes a look at this area in terms of developing and applying a knowledge sharing effectiveness inventory in order to rate how well an organization is performing knowledge sharing activities.
122 citations
TL;DR: Good management practices for the development of effective intranets which stimulate knowledge sharing and the role they could play in facilitating knowledge management initiatives are discussed.
Abstract: Intranets are frequently promoted as a route towards the sharing of knowledge in organisations. Experience demonstrates, however, that many intranets were launched without clear objectives or strategy and have evolved in an ad hoc manner, resulting in systems with limited relevance. This article is in two parts. Drawing on data collected through a survey of the use of intranets in several corporations and international organisations, the first section provides an overview on how intranets are currently being used. The second part discusses good management practices for the development of effective intranets which stimulate knowledge sharing and the role they could play in facilitating knowledge management initiatives.
114 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the views of executives working in an American based multinational company (MNC) about knowledge sharing, barriers to knowledge sharing and strategies to promote knowledge sharingDesign/methodology/approach was carried out in phases.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the views of executives working in an American based multinational company (MNC) about knowledge sharing, barriers to knowledge sharing, and strategies to promote knowledge sharingDesign/methodology/approach – This study was carried out in phases. In the first phase, a topology of organizational mechanisms for knowledge sharing was developed. A review of academic and practitioner literature provided the basis for this topology. In the next phase, a detailed field‐base case study of the knowledge sharing conceptualization in a large MNC was performed based on a sample of 81 employees.Findings – The results show that most of the respondents agreed that there is a knowledge sharing strategy and there is a growing awareness of the benefit of knowledge sharing in the organization. However, it was worrying to know that 22 percent responded negatively to the statement “KS is important to the organization”. Also, 27 percent of the respondents were also not willing to share kn...
109 citations