Knowledge sharing in a multicultural environment: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The article underscores the process of knowledge sharing in a multicultural organisational environment. Generally,<br />multiculturalism emanates from being influenced by different contexts that provide the potential for human diversity. It<br />results in disparate behavioural patterns and bodies of knowledge which lead to variance in terms of racial, sexual, age<br />and cultural orientations. The process of sharing knowledge is complex and is susceptible to multicultural variances.<br />Considering that knowledge sharing processes and probable multicultural influences are contextual, the purpose of the<br />article is to establish the extent of knowledge flows in the Department of Information Science at the University of South<br />Africa. In particular the article seeks to give an overall view on how knowledge is shared across intergenerational, cultural<br />and interracial lines in the Department. The qualitative approach was considered appropriate for this study because it<br />focuses on observing events from the perspectives of those who are involved and is aimed at understanding the attitude,<br />behaviour and opinions of those individuals (Powell &amp; Connaway 2004). A basic interpretive qualitative research design<br />was used for this study. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis. The data were inductively analysed<br />and the findings are presented and discussed using references to the literature that informed the study

Strategies and tools for knowledge management practices in selected academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa

“…The authors of this article suggest that the creation of new ideas amongst colleagues could enhance librarians' functioning, given that the sharing of knowledge or ideas is not common in African settings (mainly because of multiculturalism, and librarians' ethnicity, age, gender and cultural backgrounds) (Dube & Ngulube 2012). Knowledge management strategies could support librarians in their daily service delivery, where -as a team -they use the available and accessible ICT facilities to manage the influx of information (e.g.…”

Inhibitors and Promoters of Quality Research Outputs for Women in the Library and Information Science (LIS) Profession in Africa

“…In addition, factors that can promote it, include networking, sharing of resources, enhancing productivity, educating students, overcoming intellectual isolation and accomplishment of projects in a short time as well as learning from peers. Many scholars reiterate the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration (Ofulue, 2019;Dube & Ngulube, 2012;Jacobs, 2007;Ngulube, 2005). They are of the view that, it can help improve quality research output production for the LIS professionals particularly women.…”

“…National and international research networks and collaborations for women need to be rigorously promoted, as recommended by the social constructivist learning theories of collaboration of John Dewey, Jerome Bruner, Lev Vygotsky, that was adopted for this study (Montiel-Overall, 2005). Many scholars have underlined the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration between experienced and inexperienced scholars (Ofulue, 2019;Maluleka, Onyancha & Ajiferuke, 2016;Ocholla, Ocholla and Onyancha, 2013;Dube & Ngulube 2012;Jacobs, 2007). 4.…”

Constructing Theory With Big Result Now (Brn)

“…With this scenario, we propose development of theory in Tanzania, as well as to supplement the scope of theory. In this effort, we concentrate on knowledge as most valuable asset for modern institutions as well for world (Connelly et al,, 2012;Kakabadse et al, 2001), since, it has ability to develop the competencies (Zahra et al, 2006) and maintain competitive advantage (Dube & Ngulube, 2012). Therefore, knowledge sharing is important for the organization to withstand in the competitive edge (Foss et al, 2010), especially, in economic transition for enduring remarkable situation moves from lower income economy to middle income economy whereby knowledge acquiring and sharing within the government ministries and institutions is significant to establish the competencies which are important for competing (Uhlenbruck et al, 2003).…”