Exploring Challenges to Knowledge Sharing among Academic Staff in Higher Education: A Quantitative Survey Study in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge sharing among academic staff is essential for fostering innovation, enhancing research productivity and building institutional capacity in higher education. However, in Katsina State, Nigeria, several challenges continue to undermine effective knowledge exchange within academic environments. This study looks at the obstacles that prevent academic staff at higher education institutions from sharing knowledge and investigates how to encourage a strong culture of knowledge sharing in their research endeavours. The researcher uses the quantitative research method with a survey research design, guided by Nonaka's Theory of Knowledge Management, specifically the SECI (Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation) model. The study's population consists of 177 respondents, who use a questionnaire as a data collection tool and descriptive analysis with a basic frequency table for data analysis. The results show that key barriers to the use of information sharing to solve these challenges include a lack of trust and an absence of understanding about knowledge sharing. One of the most important components of successful information sharing is management, as a lack of managerial guidance and leadership can restrict knowledge sharing practices. Management must become involved by offering assistance and taking the required actions to ensure efficient information exchange. The study emphasised the necessity for higher education institutions to guarantee training, implement technological solutions that permit convenient access, implement the required awareness mechanisms for academic staff, and upgrade their technological facilities.