This paper set out to propose the actor-network theory (ANT) as a lens through which to understand and interpret the sociotechnical knowledge sharing challenges in organisations. The methodology for this study was developed within the context of ANT by adopting its ideals and principles. The findings demonstrate that using the concept of the Moments of Translation as a lens to study this phenomenon is indeed a novel way of investigating the reason why there is still difficulty with sharing and managing knowledge. This perspective is proposed to transform the way that knowledge sharing factors are perceived. By utilising a normative approach, this research looked at how knowledge sharing as an ideal can be achieved when taking into account the existing constraints within an organisation. A general framework is proposed to guide the formation of a network of aligned interest for knowledge sharing.

The aim of this paper is to explore the factors influencing knowledge sharing amongst higher education academics, using the actor-network theory (ANT) as a theoretical lens. Knowledge sharing in higher education is not institutionalised, therefore knowledge is not always captured nor systematically stored and organised. This leads to a lack of retention of valuable institutional know-how, inefficient work processes and reinventing the wheel. The research questions revealed social, process and technology factors as affecting the formation, growth, stability, and institutionalisation of knowledge sharing in a network of aligned interests. ANT was utilised in conjunction with historical and contextual analysis, tracing the development of the explicit sociotechnical conditions within which to enable sharing of knowledge amongst academics. The study was qualitative in nature, employing an interpretive case study methodology. Semi-structured questions were used to interview eighteen academic staff members as actors from a University of Technology in South Africa, exploring the factors inductively. Culture and management support emerged as the most important social factors. Management is identified to hold a significant position in influencing the uptake and sustainability of knowledge sharing. Factors of technology and processes are centred on facilitating opportunities to share and ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledge sharing strategies should adopt a blend of personal interaction and technology-based approaches. A general framework of factors influencing the formation, growth and institutionalisation of knowledge sharing was developed to inform knowledge sharing strategies in higher education. Recommendations are made in light of these factors for implementation by higher education managers

This paper set out to propose the actor-network theory (ANT) as a lens through which to understand and interpret the sociotechnical knowledge sharing challenges in organisations. The methodology for this study was developed within the context of ANT by adopting its ideals and principles. The findings demonstrate that using the concept of the Moments of Translation as a lens to study this phenomenon is indeed a novel way of investigating the reason why there is still difficulty with sharing and managing knowledge. This perspective is proposed to transform the way that knowledge sharing factors are perceived. By utilising a normative approach, this research looked at how knowledge sharing as an ideal can be achieved when taking into account the existing constraints within an organisation. A general framework is proposed to guide the formation of a network of aligned interest for knowledge sharing.

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This chapter employed the moments of translation of the actor-network theory (ANT) to understand and interpret the sociotechnical knowledge sharing dynamics in organisations. Given the contextual and sociotechnical nature of knowledge sharing, a model constructed on the concepts of the moments of translation of the actor network theory (ANT), developed from a case study of a higher education institution (HEI) in South Africa, is proposed to help to understand and interpret the knowledge sharing challenges in organisations. A conceptual framework was developed within the context of ANT by adopting its ideals and principles to understand how to introduce and develop knowledge sharing within an organisation, using the moments of translation. As such, it was possible to determine why there is no network of aligned interest for knowledge sharing, and how to create a network of aligned interest.