Predictors of Knowledge-Sharing Behaviors Among Community-Based Natural Resources Organizations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

• Published in: Science communication Vol. 35; no. 5; pp. 572 - 602
• Main Authors: Thakadu, Olekae T., Irani, Tracy A., Telg, Ricky
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2013; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attitudes; Botswana; Communication; Communities; Community Organizations; Environmental aspects; Knowledge; Leadership; Natural resource management; Natural Resources; Resource Management; Trust; Botswana; Okavango Delta; knowledge-sharing behaviors; responsible environmental behavior; environmental knowledge sharing; information diffusion; environmental communication; community-based natural resources management
• ISSN: 1075-5470; 1552-8545
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547012470821

The study investigated the relative contribution of selected predictors of knowledge-sharing behaviors among local community leaders involved in natural resources management programs within the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The theory of reasoned action and the responsible environmental behavior framework guided the study. Thirteen community-based natural resources management projects’ boards of trust, comprising a total of 120 subjects, participated in a quasi-experimental study. Results indicate that a combination of knowledge, attitude, and locus of control significantly predicts knowledge-sharing intentions, with knowledge and attitudes as the most important predictors. Implications and recommendations for practice are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.