Organisational Culture and Knowledge Sharing in South African Higher Education: A Mixed-Methods Study in Information Technology Departments

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of organisational culture on knowledge sharing in Information Technology departments at a South African university. Amid cultural and structural barriers in higher education, it explores cultural enablers and barriers and proposes strategies to strengthen collaboration. A mixed-methods design combined the Organisational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) with semi-structured interviews. Data were collected from academic staff in three IT departments between October and December 2023. Quantitative results indicated dominant Hierarchy cultures in two departments and a mixed Clan–Market orientation in the third, with all preferring more Clan and Adhocracy values. Interviews revealed that while formal channels exist, informal mentoring, peer discussions are the most valued channels. Barriers included professional competition, siloed structures, and rigid procedures. Conducted at a single institution with a modest sample size, findings are not statistically generalisable but offer rich contextual insights for similar higher education settings. Future research should extend the study across multiple institutions and disciplines to validate and broaden applicability. While organisational culture and knowledge sharing are globally well-documented, limited research exists on their intersection in South African higher education, particularly within IT departments. This study contributes context-specific evidence, integrating cultural diagnostics with practical recommendations to improve knowledge sharing.