An integrated understanding of academics knowledge sharing behaviour

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying functions of sense of spirituality (SS), emotional intelligence (EI) and perceived work environment (PWE) towards knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) among the academic staff of higher learning institutions (HLIs) through a comparative investigation. This study extends the investigation by examining the relationship between SS and KSB through the mediating role of EI. The moderating role of PWE between SS and KSB was also tested. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprised 300 responses from 150 Bangladeshi and 150 Malaysian academic staff of public and private HLIs. Convenient sampling tools were used. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the proposed model and hypotheses. The study explains the differences and similarities in KSB practices concerning SS, EI and PWE of the academic staff from the two countries’ HLIs. Findings The results support the direct positive effects of SS on KSB. The two data sets also support the indirect effects of SS on KSB through the mediation of EI. However, the results indicate that SS only promoted KSB among individuals with high levels of PWE in their respective institutions. For individuals with low levels of PWE, SS did not affect KSB. Practical implications The management of HLIs should engage their experiences and those of newly hired academic staff in the KSB process. However, in facilitating KSB culture among the academic staff, HLIs need to foster the staff’s SS, which ultimately improvises the EI to strongly influence KSB. The management of HLIs understands that SS may be inefficient in promoting KSB among employees with low PWE. Authorities of HLIs need to facilitate a quality work environment to enhance the association between SS and KSB. Originality/value This study is one of the initial attempts to investigate KSB by considering SS, EI and PWE in the context of Bangladesh and Malaysia HLIs. The findings of the study can serve as inputs to HLIs in developing best practices across KSB dimensions and improving academic staff performance.

Knowledge management systems usage: application of diffusion of innovation theory

“…Competitive advantage is the product of effective management and utilisation for the “difficult to duplicate” knowledge assets (Chong et al , 2009). Accordingly, most organisations have started to give more attention to knowledge creation, sharing and application within their organisations (Abdelrahman, 2013; Jones, 2006; Rahman et al , 2020); in particular, in promoting organisations innovativeness (Al-Dmour et al , 2020; Naqshbandi and Jasimuddin, 2018). Nowadays, organisations should give more attention to knowledge sharing amongst employees.…”

Public health awareness: knowledge, attitude and behaviors of the public on health risks during COVID-19 pandemic in sultanate of Oman

“…Adhikari et al (2020) suggested that the planned dissemination of information through trusted sources with clear and reliable messages constitutes an influential defensive role in mitigating the perceived risk among potentially affected people. Researchers elucidated that the way people perceive risk may not firmly represent the absolute risk associated with the pandemic outbreak (Bavel et al , 2020; He et al , 2020; McKibbin and Fernando, 2020; Nicomedes and Avila, 2020; Rahman et al , 2020). The overstatement of perceived risk among people often occurs because of unclear information or the misuse of social media (Jain and Kumar, 2015; La et al , 2020; Yasir et al , 2020).…”

“…Parallel to this, the better knowledge or education acquired about the pandemic, the better stimulation toward prevention commitment (Bakhtiari et al , 2020; Gambhir et al , 2016; Nemati et al , 2020; Rahman et al , 2020). Meanwhile, many researchers found that the attitude of knowledgeable individuals on viral transmission modes and measures of prevention differ notably in comparison to unaware people.…”

Evaluation of perceived benefits and employee satisfaction through knowledge management practices

“…As a result, employees benefit from team effectiveness and individual learning (Lin et al , 2020). However, a perceived work environment is responsible for knowledge sharing behavior among the employees (Rahman et al , 2020). Knowledge sharing can be possible when there is a presence of trust among the employees.…”