Collaboration Patterns in Knowledge Management Research in Eastern and Southern Africa Region, 1991 - 2016

Abstract

Using a bibliometrics analysis, this chapter examines the collaboration patterns in knowledge management research in Eastern and Southern Africa (E&SA) region as indexed in Scopus database for the period 1991-2016. The study leading to this chapter used a quantitative approach as the study required numerical data to achieve its objectives. Data was collected from the SCOPUS database using a variety of keywords. The VosViewer software and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse, visualise and present the data. There were a total of 3,681 papers published on KM in Eastern and Southern Africa between 1991 and 2016. The number of publications is not consistent and varies from year to year. Seven (7) was the minimum number of publications per year while 518 was the highest. The number of publications stagnated between 1991 and 1992, with a slow growth rate being observed from 1993 to 2000. There was a significant steady increase of the number of publications from the 2001 to 2016. Two-author publications were dominant (33.93%), followed by three-author publications (23.03%) and then single-author publications (9.04%). Most of the publications emanated from academic institutions. The study has revealed collaborative efforts among authors and countries, both at the local and international level. The authors recommend that researchers should increase collaborations in the field of KM in a bid to advance KM research productivity and impact in Eastern and Southern Africa region. Both internal and external collaborations should be encouraged in a bid to increase visibility and research impact. In order to improve the impact of these publications, for instance through citations, it is highly recommended that authors should publish their findings in high quality open access journals.