Inter-Organisational Knowledge Sharing in the Public Sector: The Role of Social Capital and Information and Communication Technology

摘要

This thesis explores the dynamics of knowledge sharing, through the context of interorganisationalcollaboration in the public sector. The growth of collaboration acrosspublic sector organisations places increasing importance on knowledge sharing, yet it isan area that has historically proved difficult for the sector. Knowledge sharing researchincreasingly emphasises the importance of social capital in facilitating and influencingknowledge sharing behaviours, yet the public sector’s approach to knowledge sharinghas predominantly focussed on the use of information and communication technology(ICT) tools. The aim of this research is to better understand the dynamics of knowledgesharing, and the roles that social capital and ICT play in knowledge sharing.This is a contemporary and important research topic. Public sector commitment toincreasing collaboration requires a strong focus on inter-organisational knowledgesharing. This multiple-case, multi-method research incorporates a research design thatblends qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The research extendsand deepens current understanding of the dynamics of knowledge sharing andcontributes to the existing body of knowledge in the areas of knowledge sharing, socialcapital, and ICT. It also provides valuable empirical evidence relating to public sectorbased sharing at the inter-organisational level.The research found that social capital is a significant concern for collaborative teams.Factors such as trust, group identity and shared purpose and goals were identified asimportant considerations for team members. Despite the sector’s focus on ICT tools askey knowledge sharing mechanisms, the actual availability of tools was limited. Further,individuals’ use of tools was low due to their perceptions of the available tools asdifficult to use and of limited usefulness.A key outcome of the research was the development of a conceptual framework that canbe used to support the work of academics and practitioners engaged in the field ofcollaboration and knowledge sharing. The framework identifies six importantantecedents that influence the development of social capital, and the availability and useof ICT. These antecedents include collaboration design, leadership, the perceived easeof use and perceived usefulness of ICT, and individual technical ability. The finalantecedent identifies individual’s commitment to the ‘intrinsic value of public sectorwork’ as a key collaboration factor.