Knowledge sharing processes in academic communities in new university business schools

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Mankin, D.P., 2009. Knowledge sharing processes in academic communities in new university business schools. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge sharing processes in academic communities in new university business schools. There is a paucity of empirical studies on how and why knowledge is shared. Most of the literature on this topic tends to focus on specific types of organization such as knowledge intensive firms and professional service firms operating in the private sector. The university as a work organization is under-researched. Consequently, this study is intended to make an original contribution to the nature of knowledge sharing within the higher education sector.

A case study strategy was adopted. This involved carrying out a series of semi structured interviews across three cases involving a total of 27 participants. Cases 1 and 3 focused on academic communities and case 2 on an academic management community. The author used a reflexive approach throughout the period of the study. Data was analyzed through a combination of computer software-assisted and manual systems.

The principal finding and therefore the thesis of this study is that informal and formal processes are intertwined in a form of symbiotic relationship. This relationship has been termed informalisation by the author and it is pivotal to understanding how and why knowledge is shared in academic communities. It also assists with the explanation of the relationship between individual, group and organization in the social construction of knowledge. This has implications for both the management and development of academic staff in particular.

Item Type:

Thesis

Creators:

Mankin, D.P.

Date:

2009

ISBN:

9781369314427

Identifiers: