Utilisation of Social Media tools to enhance knowledge sharing practices among knowledge workers at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

It is vital for knowledge workers to utilise social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing practices and the adoption of these collaborative tools in higher learning institutions. This study investigated the extent to which social media tools are utilised to enhance knowledge sharing practices among knowledge workers at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania. The study conducted semi-structured interview with the NM-AIST library staff and Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICT-RC) personnel in 2014. The study found that, the utilisation of social media tools to enhance knowledge sharing among knowledge workers is still in its early stages in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. However, there was much interest amongst respondents for integrating and utilising social media tools to support knowledge sharing in higher learning institutions. The findings indicated that: social media tools can be used to enhance knowledge sharing practices; however, face to face mechanism, Google Mail, and Google Drive were indicated as main mechanisms to enhance knowledge sharing practices in higher learning institutions. Knowledge workers at the NM-AIST shared knowledge to facilitate teaching and learning activities, research and innovation; however knowledge sharing practices occur when needs arise. The study revealed the lack of knowledge sharing culture documented at the NM-AIST. The study has recommended the following: proper training for knowledge workers, employment of skilled and experienced knowledge workers, provision of full support (motivation), provide support to individual users. Application of social media tools which are very familiar and simple to use, establishment of a good relationship between knowledge workers and the management, as well as with schools and departments in higher learning institutions. Additionally, the study recommends the provision of adequate social media tools to facilitate knowledge diffusion within institutions.