Knowledge management practices among academic staff of Gulu University

Abstract

The study explored the knowledge management practices among academic staff of Gulu University. The objectives of the study were to explore knowledge socialization, externalization, combination and internalization practices among academic staff of Gulu University. The study adopted a concurrent convergence mixed methods design in which quantitative data were collected from 115 academic staff and qualitative data from 8 senior administration staff of Gulu University using questionnaire survey method and interviewing method respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques whereas qualitative data collected through interviews was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings indicated that knowledge socialization is highly practiced, though some practices are not aimed at knowledge management. Knowledge externalization was found to be difficult to formalize and communicate, and has therefore not been well embraced by the academic staff. Though knowledge internalization reduces ambiguities, very few academic staff members are able to do so. Findings of this study reveal an incomplete knowledge management cycle. The study recommended that the university senate must establish a knowledge management policy unit and create motivation and incentive structures to enhance knowledge management practices among academic staff.