Knowledge Sharing through the Use of Academic Social Networking Sites

A Survey at GC University Lahore

Abstract

The study offered an overview of the research on knowledge sharing through the use of academic social networking sites (ASNS’s) at Government College, University, Lahore. The ways that academics engage, share content, collaborate, and communicate have evolved in the age of information and communications technologies. The quantitative survey based on a self-developed questionnaire was conducted to gather data from 150 researchers selected from 03 faculties: the faculty of science, social science, and humanities at Government College, University, Lahore. The researchers of postgraduate students and faculty members were approached from the faculty of sciences (mathematics, physics, and chemistry), the faculty of social sciences (political sciences, psychology), and the humanities (English). The study demonstrated that the researchers of Government College University, Lahore, were well aware of the use of academic social networking sites. Their use of these sites is increasing in terms of knowledge sharing, collaboration, diffusion of studies, and information management, and gives a new perspective and better understanding of this phenomenon. The results showed that all sample members (100%) use ASNS’s, with female researchers using them more frequently than male researchers (45%). According to the findings, 40% of the researchers had an MPhil and 60% had a PhD. The data show how responses were distributed throughout the Government College, University, Lahore's departments. At 35%, mathematics is the most represented department, while sociology is the least at 6%. The results showed that the PhD researchers have a significantly higher mean in ASNS’s use compared to MPhil researchers (p = .014). However, there is no significant difference between MPhil and PhD researchers regarding knowledge sharing (p = .823). According to the results of the one-way ANOVA test, there is no statistical difference in the use of ASNS’s (p = 0.595) and knowledge sharing (p = 0.394) based on designations. ASNS’s are crucial and a necessity for researchers in academic institutes. The study will be helpful for academic researchers to become more conversant and proficient in the use of resources and services offered by the ASNS’s. The study will also establish that academic social networking sites are invaluable resources being used at individual and organizational levels to support the academic community.