Knowledge sharing practices in Tanzanian public institutions focused on the conservation and management of natural resources

Hussein Hassan Buu; Wulystan Pius  Mtega; Ronald Bernald  Tarimo

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.36

Authors

Hussein Hassan Buu Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8488-510X
Prof. Wulystan Pius Mtega Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-1878
Dr. Ronald Bernald Tarimo Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6398-7541

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.36

Keywords:

Conservation, Knowledge Sharing, Management, Natural Resources, Public Institution

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is vital for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational operations. However, a major challenge facing most public institutions today is the loss of knowledge when skilled or experienced personnel retire or take unexpected leave, which is essential for ensuring continuity and preserving valuable knowledge. However, no studies have explored the knowledge-sharing practices in public institutions based on natural resource management. This study aimed to examine the channels used for knowledge sharing, the factors that influence this sharing, and the challenges that hinder knowledge-sharing practices in public institutions, with a specific focus on the natural resources management and conservation sectors. Based on the organizational conversion (OKC) theory, the study employed a cross-sectional design with a mixed-research approach and utilized both simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample of 113 respondents from the target population of subordinate staff and managerial staff, as key informants, from the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI). Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in IBM SPSS version 20. Findings indicate that collaboration and informal discussions are the most effective channels, with strong positive beta coefficients and statistically significant effects (p<0.05). The study also highlights technological infrastructure, organizational structure, and leadership support as influential factors with strong statistical significance (p<0.05). However, technological limitations and political interference remain major barriers. Based on the study findings, the study recommends that improving knowledge sharing in these sectors requires investments in technology, promotion of transformational leadership, implementation of strategic policies, and capacity-building programs. Strengthening these elements is crucial for maintaining institutional knowledge and ensuring effective management and conservation of natural resources in Tanzania.

Author Biographies

Hussein Hassan Buu, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Mr. Hussein Hassan Buu is a Librarian at the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), working in the Department of Public Relations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of Dar es Salaam. Currently, he is a postgraduate student pursuing a Master’s in Information and Knowledge Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Prof. Wulystan Pius Mtega, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Prof. Wulystan P. Mtega is an Associate Professor in the Department of Informatics and Information Technology at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and also serves as a librarian at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library. He holds a PhD in Information Science, a Master’s Degree in Information Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, and a Diploma in Education.
Dr. Ronald Bernald Tarimo, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Dr. Ronald Bernard Tarimo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Informatics and Information Technology at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and also works at the Sokoine National Agricultural Library. He holds a PhD in Information Science from SUA, an MA in Information Studies from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a BSc in Aquaculture from SUA.

References

Abayo, A. (2023). Assessment of staff motivation on employee performance: The case of Public Service Management and Good Governance Office in Tanzania. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 5(6), 252-270. https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i06.8472 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i06.8472

Aljuwaiber, A. (2016). Communities of practice as an initiative for knowledge sharing in business institutions: A literature review. Journal of Knowledge Management, 20(4), 731-758. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-12-2015-0494 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-12-2015-0494

Asami, G. M., & Wamae, P. (2022). Knowledge creation and sharing for the efficiency of service delivery in the hospitality industry within the five-star hotels in Naivasha, Nakuru County. International Journal of Current Aspects, 6(3), 70-90. https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i3.279 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i3.279

Ballesteros-Rodríguez, J. L., Díaz-Díaz, N. L., Aguiar-Díaz, I., & Saá-Pérez, P. D. (2020). The role of leadership in the management of conflict and knowledge sharing in the research groups of a Spanish public university. Public Organization Review, 20(2), 421-436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11115-019-00451-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11115-019-00451-7

Bromiley, P., & Rau, D. (2016). Operations management and the resource-based view: Another view. Journal of Operations Management, 41(6), 95-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.11.003

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.11.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2015.11.003

Caro, T., & Davenport, T. R. B. (2016). Wildlife and wildlife management in Tanzania. Conservation Biology, 30(4), 716-723. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12658 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12658

Charles, W., & Nawe, J. (2018). Knowledge management (KM) practices in institutions of higher learning in Tanzania with reference to Mbeya University of Science and Technology. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 12(1), 48-53.

Fasola, O. S., & Abimbola, M. O. (2023). Collaborative technology for information sharing, knowledge creation, and management in libraries. Gateway Information Journal, 24(1 & 2), 33-46.

Francis, E. (2018). What is the sure way to understand wild animals? International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology, 3(5), 355-356. https://doi.org/10.15406/ijawb.2018.03.00120 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15406/ijawb.2018.03.00120

Fulk, J., & Yuan, Y. C. (2013). Location, motivation, and social capitalization via enterprise social networking. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 19(1), 20-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12033

Gosselin, F., Cordonnier, T., Bilger, I., Jappiot, M., Chauvin, C., & Gosselin, M. (2018). Ecological research and environmental management: We need different interfaces based on different knowledge types. Journal of Environmental Management, 218, 388-401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.025

Helander, N., Paunu, A., & Hellsten, P. (2022). Knowledge management processes in practice: Empirical insights from the public sector. Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. https://doi.org/10.24251/HICSS.2022.673 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24251/HICSS.2022.673

Jobson, M., Hall, J., & Smith, A. (2019). Mentorship and knowledge transfer in healthcare: A critical review. Journal of Health Management, 21(1), 43-58.

Lee, J., Jin, M. H., & Ryu, G. (2021). Motivated to share? Using the person-environment fit theory to explain the link between public service motivation and knowledge sharing. Sustainability, 13(11), 6286. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116286 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116286

Liu, W., & Florkowski, W. J. (2021). Online meal ordering service quality and delivery speed: Opportunities for restaurant operators? Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural and Agribusiness Economists, 23(4), 108-128. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0015.5971 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0015.5971

Mahfodh, A. B. S. bin, & Obeidat, A. M. (2020). Knowledge sharing tools and their impact on enhancing organizational performance. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(9), 91-112. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v10-i9/7708 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v10-i9/7708

Mairiga, N., & Ibrahim, M. (2021). Assessment of indigenous knowledge in managing environmental challenges: A case study of Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Advances, 2(4), 606-611. https://doi.org/10.51542/ijscia.v2i4.25 DOI: https://doi.org/10.51542/ijscia.v2i4.25

McCombes, S. (2019). Descriptive research | Definition, types, methods & example. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/descriptive-research/

Mohd Rasdi, R., & Tangaraja, G. (2022). Knowledge-sharing behavior in public service organizations: Determinants and the roles of affective commitment and normative commitment. European Journal of Training and Development, 46(3/4), 337-355. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-02-2020-0028 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-02-2020-0028

Mtega, W. P., & Ngoepe, M. (2020). Knowledge management best practices among rice farmers in selected areas of Tanzania. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 52(2), 331-344. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000619856087 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000619856087

Mtega, W. P., Dulle, F., & Tarimo, B. (2013). Understanding the knowledge sharing process among rural communities in Tanzania: A review of selected studies. Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, 5(2), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2013.05.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2013.05.014

Mutage, M., & Dewah, P. (2022). Knowledge hoarding at a state university library in Zimbabwe. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal, 16(2), 3-18. https://doi.org/10.4314/udslj.v16i2.2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/udslj.v16i2.2

Mwalukasa, N. (2022). Mobile phones in enhancing education: Factors influencing the use of mobile phones in accessing academic information in Tanzania. In Proceedings or Book Title, 229-248.

Navimipour, N. J., & Charband, Y. (2016). Knowledge sharing mechanisms: A systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature and future directions. Information Systems Frontiers, 18(6), 1131-1151. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-016-9628-z

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-016-9628-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-016-9628-z

Ngcobo, J. B. (2020). Knowledge sharing practices in public libraries: A case study of Ethekwini Municipal Libraries (EML) (Master's thesis). University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Nguyen, P. V., Nguyen, N. T. T., & Nguyen, Q. T. T. (2020). Public service motivation, organizational social capital, workplace environment, and knowledge sharing behavior within the public sector. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 55(3), 24. https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.55.3.24 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.55.3.24

Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS. Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117452

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117407 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117407

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117452 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117452

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117445 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003117445

Rusilowati, U., Metarini, R. A., & Sunarsi, D. (2023). Utilizing information technology in knowledge sharing to enhance the performance of public organizations. 13(1), 325-332. https://doi.org/10.26858/jiap.v13i1.47494 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26858/jiap.v13i1.47494

Sathyanarayana, S., Mohanasundaram, T., Pushpa, B. V., & Hema, H. (2024). Selecting the right sample size: Methods and considerations for social science researchers. 13(7), 52-167.

Shao, D., Mwangakala, H., Ishengoma, F., Mongi, H., Mambile, C., & Chali, F. (2023). Sustenance of the digital transformations induced by the COVID-19 pandemic response: Lessons from Tanzanian public sector. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 72(6/7), 700-713. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-11-2021-0186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-11-2021-0186

Shokia, A. (2024). Strategies for employee retention in public sector organizations: A case of Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Dar es Salaam. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(3), 4354-4362. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0324.07114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.5.0324.07114

Sulaeman, M. M., Suhartono, E., & Wibowo, S. N. (2023). Knowledge management as a strategic pillar in organizational adaptation to the dynamics of business environment change. Journal of Contemporary Administration and Management (ADMAN), 1(3), 208-214. https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v1i3.82 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v1i3.82

Tanzania Forestry Research Institute. (2021). Strategic plan 2021/22-2025/26: United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Tanzania Forestry Research Institute.

TitiAmayah, A. (2013). Determinants of knowledge sharing in a public sector organization. Journal of Knowledge Management, 17(3), 454-471. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-11-2012-0369

https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-11-2012-0369 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-11-2012-0369

Upadhyay, G. (2023). Experience of knowledge sharing among teachers in higher education. AMC Journal, 4(1), 26-37. https://doi.org/10.3126/amcj.v4i1.63708 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/amcj.v4i1.63708

Virkar, S., Edelmann, N., Hynek, N., Parycek, P., Steiner, G., & Zenk, L. (2019). Digital transformation in public sector organizations: The role of informal knowledge sharing networks and social media. In P. Panagiotopoulos et al. (Eds.), Electronic participation (pp. 60-72). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27397-2_6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27397-2_6

Yami, M., & Ajmal, M. (2019). Pursuing sustainable development with knowledge management in the public sector. Vine Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 49(4), 568-593. https://doi.org/10.1108/vjikms-05-2019-0068 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-05-2019-0068

Young, N., Corriveau, M., Nguyen, V., Cooke, S., & Hinch, S. (2018). Embracing disruptive new science? Biotelemetry meets co-management in Canada's Fraser River. Fisheries, 43(1), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10015

Zoogah, D. B., Gomes, E., & Cunha, M. P. (2020). Autochthonous management knowledge/knowledge management in Africa. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(6), 1493-1512. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2019-0554 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2019-0554

Zulfadrim, Z., Toyoda, Y., & Kanegae, H. (2019). The integration of indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction practices through scientific knowledge: Cases from Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. International Journal of Disaster Management, 2(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.24815/ijdm.v2i1.13503 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24815/ijdm.v2i1.13503