Knowledge sharing among faculty members in academic contexts: an interdisciplinary view

A battle of ideas on the conceptualization of producing, sharing, dissemination and application of knowledge in universities and higher education institutions is a complex issue that a lot of attention in the academic literature and management areas has focused on. on the basis of studies, knowledge sharing in higher education as an interdisciplinary field of study that links between the two major "knowledge management" and “higher education" specially in higher education management, has been emerged. Many scholars and researchers have tried to respond to these questions: What are the factors that influence people in knowledge sharing? What are factors and possible reasons for sharing or not sharing? This paper discussed and explored the knowledge sharing phenomenon in higher education in an interdisciplinary field of study and, it has analyzed the factors affecting knowledge sharing among faculty members. The article ends with this conclusion that to explore the knowledge sharing phenomenon in higher education and theorizing in this field, understanding and analyzing the nature of knowledge, motivation and opportunity for sharing of knowledge are essential. The study has reviewed the results of two decades important empirical research in academic environment. Finally, with focus on current situation and potentiality of future research on knowledge sharing in academic environment a conceptual model has presented.