Self-efficacy sources and outcome expectations of researchers for sharing knowledge via social media

Although social media is a vital way to communicate and share knowledge, the researchers' use is still less than expected. This may be due to their lack of self-efficacy or lack of knowledge of outcomes from its use. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate sources of self-efficacy and outcome expectations of researchers and their impact on the use of social media for knowledge sharing. To provide a theoretical framework, this research adopted social cognitive theory, which contains two important concepts are self-efficacy and outcome expectations. It investigated sources of self-efficacy and types of outcome expectations to address the research objectives and questions. This study has employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. It started with qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with thirty researchers from University of Strathclyde. The data were analysed by using a qualitative directed content analysis approach. In quantitative approach, online questionnaire was used to substantiate the qualitative findings. The total participants in this questionnaire was 144 researchers also from University of Strathclyde and the data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. This study found that researchers relied on the four sources of self-efficacy for using this media. They lead researchers to use it effectively, although some may discourage its use. It also found that researchers expect social and personal outcomes from its use. Each type has positive and negative forms, which can motivate or prevent researchers from use it. This study develops a theoretical framework by identifying levels of importance of these sources and types of outcomes as applied to a real-life online context. In a practical light, this helps researchers to understand these sources and outcomes and determine how they can develop in order to increase their confidence and use. Finally, institutions can encourage their staff, particularly researchers, to use it for their competitive advantage.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Alshahrani, Hussain

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pennington, Diane Rasmussen

DOI

10.48730/n88w-7z61

Identifier

T15260

Author Identifier

2010675598

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:9g54xh65x