Individual factors affecting attitude toward knowledge sharing: an empirical study on a higher education institution

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are currently under pressure, driven by the knowledge society and the internationalization of institutions. Therefore, a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing is required. Considering that the knowledge-sharing attitude is motivated and executed mainly at the individual level, this study aims to examine the relationship between individual factors and the attitude toward knowledge sharing among professors and researchers.

Data was obtained from 176 completed questionnaires collected through LimeSurvey system. The analysis is based on quantitative methods where descriptive and inferential statistics were used. This study investigated the individual factors that affect attitude toward knowledge sharing among professors and researchers of a HEI.

The results identified that intrinsic motivation was the factor that most positively affects knowledge-sharing attitude. Given that intrinsic motivation is an activity moved by self-determination, and is free of external pressures or rewards, the finding may be related to the inviolable values, such as freedom and autonomy, existing in this context. Consistent with the concept of extrinsic motivation as a controlled motivation, this factor was not identified as affecting attitude toward knowledge sharing. Networking was the other factor that positively affects attitude on this institution.

In practice, this work can help the institution in defining strategies and developing future actions to promote a knowledge-sharing culture supported through an empirical study. In a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the knowledge increase in the area, as little is known about the attitudes regarding knowledge sharing in HEIs.