Information and knowledge sharing among students in Singapore

• Main Author: Panchapakesan Kumari Chitra
• Other Authors: Shaheen Majid
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Communication::Organizational communication
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/50808
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Today, information and knowledge are considered as the most important factors that help achieve competitive advantage in global environment. Consequently, information and knowledge sharing has been identified as an important element in all learning initiatives. Through information and knowledge sharing, effective creation, utilisation and dissemination of knowledge can be achieved. Although educational institutions are at the centre of learning, very few studies have focused on the dynamics of information and knowledge sharing in educational institutions. Hence this study was aimed to investigate the information and knowledge sharing behaviours of secondary school and junior college students in Singapore. The research covered aspects such as awareness, attitudes, frequency, types of materials shared and channels used for information and knowledge sharing. In addition, it investigated the factors that promote or demote information and knowledge sharing among the students. The methodology employed in this study was quantitative method in the form of a survey research. Convenience snowball sampling method was used in the research. Secondary 4 and junior college students were the target participants of the survey. A total of 710 students took part in the survey. It was found that when faced with study related information needs students first check the Internet for solutions and also consult with their peers to clarify their study-related doubts. Students were primarily motivated to share information and knowledge as an attempt to build relationships with their peers and also to score more marks in examinations. In addition, there was a strong belief among the survey students that much emphasis on grades and academic competition discourage students from sharing their information and knowledge. The survey also showed that students were less informed about the importance of II information and knowledge sharing. Possible reasons that limit information and knowledge sharing among the students were the lack of time and inadequate depth in relationships. Based on the findings, this scenario can be changed and information and knowledge sharing in institutions can be improved by introducing a culture that put more emphasis on learning than on academic competition. Students should be encouraged to share information and knowledge without any fear that they may share wrong information. Institutions should also create opportunities that will help develop deep relationships among students which in turn will help in information and knowledge sharing. This study also suggests certain other measures which can promote information and knowledge sharing among students in Singapore.