Effects of collaborative tools on knowledge sharing among the lecturers in Kwara State University,Malete,Nigeria

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated impact of collaborative tools on knowledge sharing among lecturers in Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. Specifically, five research questions were answered while one null hypothesis was formulated and tested.

Method

Descriptive survey design was adopted by selecting a sample of 162 from population of 438 using multi-stage sampling technique. A questionnaire entitled “Impact of Collaborative Tools on Knowledge sharing among the Lecturers Questionnaire” was used to collect the data from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, mean and percentages while linear regression was used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents mostly used WhatsApp, Yahoo messenger, Twitter, and Facebook and majority of the respondents used these collaborative tools to share manuals, books and book chapters; professional information from newspapers, magazines, and television; useful knowledge relevant to their field; research output and technical reports; hot briefs; and expression of opinion about relevant issues in their field through collaborative tools. Majority of the respondents always use WhatsApp; Yahoo messenger; Twitter; and Facebook to share knowledge which in turn have positive impact on the overall knowledge sharing. Poor Internet facility; lack of ICT policy on collaborative tools; negative attitude of the recipient; and epileptic power supply are some of the barriers to the effective utilization of collaborative tools for knowledge sharing among the lecturers. Lastly, collaborative tools have significant impact on knowledge sharing among the lecturers.

Conclusion

The study concludes that collaborative tools have effect on knowledge sharing among lecturers. The study recommended that university management should create massive awareness on the need for lecturers to embrace collaborative tools for knowledge sharing among peers and their students. This can be done through training, conferences, and seminars, among others.