Factors influencing the impact of knowledge sharing behavior in organizations across Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

This article is aimed at exploring factors that impact knowledge sharing behavior of employees in a small and medium scale (SME) building materials company located in Sultanate of Oman; and to extrapolate the findings over large organizations. The said SME has a problem of employees hoarding their knowledge and knowledge management is not in practiced. Through literature review, we have identified six factors that are of mutual relevance to SMEs and Large organizations. A survey has been conducted to test the practical implications of the identified factors at the selected organization. Results reveal that the factors such as (i) social media app for knowledge sharing (ii) enjoyment/satisfaction in helping others and (iii) effective utilization of free time; are the dominating factors in both SME and Large organizations. It is found that the factors (iv) rewards and (v) self-efficacy are very much significant in large organizations and are of low significance in SMEs. To strengthen the current study, the survey has to be extended to include respondents from few more SMEs and Large organizations.