Knowledge sharing practices amongst doctorate degree candidates in an Agro-allied University in South-East Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the prevalent knowledge sharing practices (KSP)  amongst doctoral candidates in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,  Umuahia (MOUAU), South-East Zone, Nigeria. The descriptive survey  research design was adopted. After the validation, a test-retest of the measuring instrument was done using Cronbach's Alpha Reliability  coefficient which yielded a reliability index of 0.82. Out of the 200 copies of questionnaire administered, 167 were retrieved and found usable resulting in 83.5% return rate. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation statistics. The result revealed that the major KSPs amongst doctoral students in MOUAU include participation in group assignments, lectures, researches, meetings and exchange of reading materials. Most of the knowledge shared were utilitarian in nature as depicted in statistical knowledge, presentation knowledge, lecture-centric knowledge, research knowledge and published knowledge. There was a high extent of use of various information technologies, especially the Internet, telephones, computers and social media platforms. The reasons advanced for knowledge sharing had direct bearing on problem-solving, maintain reciprocity in relationship, and spread new discoveries. Although respondents appreciate the need for knowledge sharing and participate actively, they encounter series of challenges principal of which are fright of losing privileges, threat of competition and fear of criticisms. Amongst the recommendations made to address these problems are: provision of current and relevant information materials and establishment of functional institutional repositories.

Keyword: Knowledge; Knowledge Sharing; Knowledge Doctoral Candidates; MOUA, Umudike; University Libraries