English abstract
This research applied a mixed- methods approach to investigat knowledge management (KM) practices in the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Education (MOE) and to identify the individual-level factors that appear to be promoting or impeding effective knowledge sharing in this setting. The study explored the effects of six demographic factors on the five domains of the Knowledge Management Practices that were selected for investigation in this study, namely, Job Title, Gender, Age, Work Experience, Educational Level, and English Language Competency.
The total study population consisted of 1083 MoE employees from Strategic (302) and Operational (781) areas. A sample of 459 was selected randomly from this population. Data were collected using two instruments; the first was quantitative and consisted of a survey questionnaire distributed to all sample members and consisting of 68 items. Based on the results of the quantitative study, a semi-structured questionnaire including 22 items was developed and used for the qualitative phase. This was used in focus groups with 10 males and 10 females from operational levels of MoE. Additional one-to-one interviews were conducted using the sample questionnaire with 10 MOE officials.
Significant differences with employees in strategic areas of MoE scoring more highly on all knowledge sharing domains except for trust. Female employees, more experienced employees, and those who are more competent in English scored more highly on trust compared with other respondents, while older respondents scored more highly on attitudes towards knowledge sharing than younger employees. However, no significant differences emerged by education level in relation to the knowledge sharing domains.
The survey responses indicated that shared trust, commitment and knowledge sharing are all moderately practiced in this research setting, with mean scores of 3.40 or above. In contrast, attitude and knowledge management practices had mean scores of 3.39 or below, which indicates that these were practiced to a lesser extent by the respondents. The qualitative findings revealed shortcomings in kng e management practices. In addition, the research showed that promoting and impeding factors have an impact on knowledge sharing in general and tacit knowledge sharing in particular.
In order to facilitate improved knowledge sharing in MoE, it is recommended on the basis of the research results that: 1) an atmosphere of assurance and recognition will be essential for trust-building trust between managers and employees, and 2) informal short daily meetings as well as more formal meetings should be held, in which employees can discuss related issues.
