Knowledge sharing among Undergraduate students at the technical university of Kenya

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Technical University of Kenya on knowledge sharing among students at the university. The aim was to find out the nature of knowledge sharing at the university. This includes the channels used, factors encouraging knowledge sharing, type of knowledge shared, the factors discouraging knowledge sharing and frequency of knowledge sharing among others. The study employed a questionnaire to collect data for the study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive analysis where the data was presented in both graphics and narrative form; hence the narrative complimented the graphics. From the results of the study, there was an indication of knowledge sharing among the students hence conclusion that knowledge sharing frequently takes place among the students. Technology channels including email, sms and Whatsapp are some of the channels used to share knowledge though face to face communication is the most commonly used channel. According to most students, most people share knowledge so as to learn from each other. There are however some challenges that hinder knowledge sharing for instance lack of infrastructure but the most commonly cited factor was that people on share knowledge with those who share with them. In light of these findings, it was recommended that the Technical university of Kenya should put in place programs to train and encourage knowledge sharing among the students, upgrade infrastructure and implement a system whereby students who share knowledge can be rewarded with incentives. This paper then concluded by recommending a further study on the information seeking behavior of the students. This would serve as a means for bridging the gap between those that seek knowledge and information for their problem solving and those that have the information and knowledge sought