Knowledge sharing mechanisms in the education: A systematic review of the state of the art literature and recommendations for future research

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and detailed review of the state-of-the-art mechanisms of knowledge sharing in the education field as well as directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, a systematic literature review until June 2017 is presented, which has been on the education’s mechanisms of knowledge sharing. The authors identified 237 papers, which are reduced to 71 primary studies through the paper selection process.

Findings

By providing the state-of-the-art information, the challenges and issues, this survey will directly support academics, researchers and practicing professionals in their understanding of knowledge sharing developments in education.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations in this study. First, this study limited the search for articles to Google scholar and four online databases. There might be other academic journals, which may be able to provide a more comprehensive picture of the articles related to the knowledge sharing in education. Second, non-English publications were excluded from this study. The authors believe research regarding the application of knowledge sharing techniques have also been discussed and published in other languages. In addition, more studies need to be carried out using other methodologies such as interviews.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive structured literature review of the articles’ mechanisms of knowledge sharing in the education field. The paper’s findings can offer insights into future research needs.

Citation

Charband, Y. and Jafari Navimipour, N. (2018), "Knowledge sharing mechanisms in the education: A systematic review of the state of the art literature and recommendations for future research", Kybernetes, Vol. 47 No. 7, pp. 1456-1490. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-06-2017-0227