Systems thinking : a vehicle for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in the University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Knowledge is a fundamental source of competitive advantage for both public and private organisations. This includes higher education institutions as they are under constant pressure to meet the needs of their stakeholders. It is thus critical for such organisations to create conducive environments for knowledge-sharing across functional boundaries. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the significant of systems thinking for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in Universities of Technology (UoTs). The study was qualitative in design. Data was collected, through face-to-face interviews, from employees of UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa). Participants were purposively selected. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Hence, study findings indicate that systems thinking serves as a catalyst for knowledge- sharing in UoTs. This suggests that systems thinking plays a key role in creating a conducive environment for knowledge-sharing across the organisation and beyond functional boundaries. Given the need for UoTs to remain competitive, a strong culture of knowledge sharing across functional boundaries is critical. The original value of this paper is in its approach in uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of systems thinking for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal.