DEVELOPING AND TESTING AN INCLUSIVE MODEL OF ACADEMICIANS’ KNOWLEDGE SHARING USING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and assess an intention-formation model by identifying the critical factors from the literature that are linked to the willingness of academicians to share their knowledge. The theory of planned behavior is utilized to provide the necessary conceptual support to the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was employed to collect 355 valid responses from the teaching staff of Pakistani universities using adopted scales in a phased manner. The cross-sectional data was subsequently presented to partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the measurement model and confirm the proposed relationships.

Findings

Among the original predictors, attitude and behavioral control exhibited a significant and positive effect on knowledge sharing intention, while subjective norm failed to demonstrate the same. Among the added predictors, the variables of enjoyment in helping others, knowledge sharing culture, and self-efficacy yielded significant and positive results. However, the variables of perceived organizational incentive and reciprocal benefits could not return significant results.

Research, Practical & Social implications

The study recommends that university administrators should take into account both organizational and individual factors to comprehensively comprehend the knowledge sharing behavior of academicians and formulate an appropriate knowledge sharing strategy. Suggested steps include cultivating a knowledge sharing culture to motivate academicians, implementing a knowledge sharing reward system, and providing opportunities for scholars to share and exchange their knowledge for the collective benefit.

Originality/value

This study has presented an inclusive theoretical framework for comprehending the knowledge sharing intention of academicians, which contributes to the ongoing discourse in this field and sets the groundwork for more targeted and insightful investigations.