Effect of Personality Traits on Knowledge-Sharing Intentions of Academic Librarians of Baluchistan, Pakistan

Abstract

This study is designed to investigate the relationship between personality traits (PTs) and knowledge-sharing intentions (KSI) of academic librarians (ALs) and to expose the ALs's PTs effect on their KSI. This research used a quantitative research method and adopted measures for data collection that were administered online among 350 librarians working in academic institutions of Baluchistan. The questionnaire was comprised of 60 items. The researcher ensured the reliability and validity of the adopted measures and the normality of the data set to opt for parametric statistics. ALs of the Baluchistan province of Pakistan were keen to exchange information to get honor and develop relationships; they were inspired and interested to share information and; exchange information to develop relationships with colleagues. The results reveal ALs with high openness, agreeableness, and extroversion traits will boost their KSI. If ALs are in a state of neuroticism or anxiety, their knowledge-sharing (KS) will decrease. This is an interesting topic that was not explored earlier in the local literature. This could be an interesting phenomenon: how the Big Five PTs— agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness to experience—affect the KSI of ALs of underdeveloped provinces in the underdeveloped circumstances. This research is crucial for crafting tailored interventions that address regional challenges regarding PTs and KSI of ALs, thus fostering a more effective research and collaborative academic environment. The study contributes to understanding that how PTs influences KSI and offers practical implications for developing strategies to improve collaborative practices in academic libraries.