Creating Collaborative Cultures: The Effect of Rewards and Social Units on Knowledge Sharing in Culturally Diverse Academic Settings

Abstract

Background: The present study explores knowledge sharing in multicultural academic settings, focusing on gender dynamics. The study emphasizes the impact of rewards, social units, and cultural diversity on knowledge sharing behaviors. A deeper qualitative exploration could further highlight specific dynamics not captured in quantitative analysis. Purpose: Taking higher education institutions (HEIs) in India as the research context, this paper aims to examine the knowledge sharing dynamics influenced by rewards, social units, and cultural diversity, focusing on gender-specific differences among faculty members. Additionally, the study provides recommendations for HEIs to foster inclusive knowledge sharing practices. Method: This cross-sectional, quantitative study employed a convenience sampling method. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire. In this survey, 680 questionnaires were distributed to an entire university faculty. All respondents are affiliated with Chitkara University and Punjabi University, India. The survey measured demographic details, familiarity with knowledge sharing, and variables such as knowledge sharing, rewards, social units, and cultural diversity. Result: The study reveals that gender-specific differences significantly impact knowledge sharing behaviors. Monetary rewards are more effective for male faculty members, while non-monetary rewards and institutional support for cultural diversity are more effective for female faculty members. Strong social units positively influence knowledge sharing for both genders, but more so for males. The combined effect of institutional support for cultural diversity and social units on knowledge sharing is perceived differently by male and female faculty members. Conclusion: Gender dynamics play a crucial role in shaping knowledge-sharing behaviors within multicultural academic settings. Addressing these gender-specific influences through tailored rewards and inclusive social networks can enhance knowledge sharing. The study underscores the need for higher education institutions to develop gender-sensitive policies and cultivate inclusive environments to promote effective knowledge sharing among faculty members.

  • Page Number : 63–74

  • Published Date : 2022-10-30

  • Keywords
    Knowledge sharing, Multicultural organizations, Cultural diversity, Social factors, Rewards, Knowledge management, Higher education institutions, Gender-specific influences, Tacit knowledge, Organizational culture

  • DOI Number
    10.15415/jtmge.2022.132003

  • Authors
    Jaswinder Pal Singh and Baljinder Kaur

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