Factors Effecting Knowledge Sharing among King Abdulaziz University Hospital’s Physicians:A Qualitative Study using Grounded Theory

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the main factors and their sub-dimensions that influence the sharing of knowledge among physicians working at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah. The importance of the study is that it follows one of the qualitative research methods: Grounded Theory in the most important knowledge management processes (Knowledge Sharing). The study relied on qualitative research using the Grounded Theory to discovery of the factors influencing the sharing of knowledge and the method of content analysis in the analysis of the content of the previous related studies. In order to prepare a preliminary list of key factors and sub-factors affecting the sharing of knowledge among physicians after subjecting them to coding processes used in qualitative research. In addition to the survey approach, 25 doctors represented a target sample of over 10 years experience  of university medical doctors at the university hospital. The number of doctors was 25 from different clinical departments, and the interview was used as a data collection tool. . The main findings of the study are a list of the most important factors affecting the sharing of knowledge from the perspective of doctors themselves. It includes seven main factors (organizational culture, organizational structure, IT infrastructure, behavioral and personal factors, senior management support, incentives, training, development and learning). Each major factor on a number of sub-factors was shown as a typical framework, and the results showed that there was no electronic platform for knowledge sharing among physicians at the university hospital. One of the most important recommendations of the study is to provide a specialized department for the various knowledge management processes in the university hospital and to provide all forms of material, moral and technical support to this department. Making the efforts of senior management focused and stimulating to share knowledge between doctors and medical staff in general. And emphasize the need to take into account the incentive system at the university and the university hospital for the processes of sharing and transfer of knowledge and exchange between doctors.