Academic knowledge sharing on digital knowledge platforms: a TAM approach

Purpose This study aims to identify and examine the determinants of knowledge sharing on digital knowledge platforms among academic staff, grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). It specifically investigates how individual and organizational factors influence faculty members’ engagement in knowledge sharing via digital knowledge platforms. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive-analytical survey design was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, targeting academic staff in higher education institutions. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression in SPSS to assess the relationships between perceived ease of use, perceived convenience, IT self-efficacy, organizational culture and knowledge sharing behavior. Findings The results demonstrate that perceived ease of use, perceived convenience and IT self-efficacy significantly predict the perceived usefulness of digital knowledge platforms for knowledge sharing. Furthermore, organizational culture emerged as a critical factor positively influencing faculty members’ knowledge sharing behaviors. Academic staff showed a higher tendency to share knowledge when they perceived digital knowledge platforms as useful and user-friendly, and when they operated within a culture that promotes collaboration and technological adoption. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the need for universities to foster supportive cultures, enhance IT self-efficacy and provide user-friendly digital knowledge platforms tools to promote faculty knowledge sharing and improve collaboration and innovation in academic settings. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by integrating TAM with contextual organizational variables to explain digital knowledge platforms-based knowledge sharing in academic settings. It provides actionable insights for university administrators and policymakers aiming to foster a knowledge-sharing culture.