Factors affecting the use of online research collaboration platforms for knowledge sharing: evidence from knowledge-intensive organisations

There is a need for academics to connect through research communities to increase, share their current knowledge, collaborate, and inform their research efforts. Social media (SM) is fast becoming an essential instrument for knowledge sharing and communication, not only at the organisational level but also for individuals. Few attempts have been made to understand enablers that influence academics at knowledge-based organisations like universities to adopt SM tools for academic research sharing. This quantitative study examined the motivating factors of academics in relation to engaging with other experts in online platforms, using partial least squares equation modelling (PLS-SEM). There were seven variables associated with the study: attitudes towards knowledge, intention to share knowledge, actual sharing of knowledge, perceived behavioural control, self-efficacy, subjective norms, tools, and technology. The findings suggested that academics are likely to engage in online research collaboration due to the desire and attitudes towards sharing knowledge.