Knowledge Sharing Using a Communities of Practice Strategy: A Study on the Attitudes of Faculty Members at Taibah University

Abstract

This study explores the attitude of faculty members toward the acts of participating in - and sharing knowledge in communities of practice (CoPs). Specifically, the study uses a descriptive-analytical method to probe survey data collected from 138 Taibah University faculty members belonging to program-accreditation committees. In attempting to identify the motivations, practices, communication methods, activities, and barriers characterizing these faculty members’ efforts to engage in the CoP, the study uncovered the following main findings: the faculty members (1) wanted to join and share knowledge in CoPs, (2) regarded CoPs as an opportunity to learn quality practices through the sharing of knowledge, (3) hoped to use this newfound knowledge to improve personal job performance, (4) hoped to join and benefit from a CoP-based network of experienced professionals, and (5) prized the practice of discussions about best practices. Interestingly, faculty members in the humanities, the medical sciences, and business were more motivated to join CoPs than were faculty members in engineering and the natural sciences. This study recommends that the framework it developed herein be applied to the establishment of university CoPs. In particular, universities in the Arab world should establish CoPs that address various issues related to their work. These CoPs should prioritize knowledge sharing, learning, skill development, and performance improvement