The influence of individual factors, organisational factors, and knowledge management systems on knowledge-sharing behaviour and knowledge innovation: the mediating role of knowledge-sharing intention

Knowledge-sharing behaviour (KSB) leads to the emergence of knowledge innovation (KI), making it crucial in higher education institutions (HEIs). However, only a few studies explored this, particularly within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) context. Despite its importance, limited evidence exists about the extent of KSB among academicians in Malaysian premier polytechnics and how it contributes to KI, especially when compared to research in broader HEIs. This study was conducted in Malaysian premier polytechnics within the context of TVET, which plays a critical role in Malaysia's national development agenda. Furthermore, the roles of individual and organisational factors, knowledge management systems (KMS), and knowledge-sharing intention (KSI) in influencing KSB have remained underexplored. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this study aimed to examine (1) the influence of individual factors, organisational factors, and KMS on KSI; (2) the influence of individual factors, organisational factors, and KMS on KSB; (3) the influence of KSB on KI; and (4) the mediating role of KSI in the relationships of individual factors, organisational factors, KMS, and KSB. A quantitative research design was employed, using an online survey that involved 141 academicians across diverse disciplines in Malaysian premier polytechnics. The data were carefully analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) (version 4.1.1). The results revealed the positive influence of strong KSI and KSB on KI among academicians. Key determinants of knowledge sharing were identified as individual factors, including individual perception, personality, and religiosity; organisational factors, such as organisational support and work demand; and KMS. The study highlighted the pivotal role of KSI in mediating the relationship between individual factors, organisational factors, and KSB. The findings affirm the applicability of TPB for explaining knowledge-sharing behaviour in the TVET context. This study contributed to the existing body of literature by highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive environment that nurtures both KSI and KSB. Based on the obtained results, notable recommendations for management in HEIs and policymakers were provided. The results of this study would also significantly benefit academicians, HEI managers, and policymakers in their efforts to realise the national agenda of advancing TVET in Malaysia. The results further suggest the need for HEIs and policymakers to focus on organisational factors and KMS in order to enhance KSB among academicians. Finally, several limitations of the study and directions for future research were provided.