Relationships of information sharing behaviour, motives and barriers in social media context: A survey of doctors from Pakistan

Abstract

Motives of information sharing behavior, barriers in sharing information and attitude toward information sharing are very important for knowledge efforts. The current study analyzed the relationships of information sharing behavior, barriers, motives, and satisfaction of health professionals in social media contexts. Quantitative research design is used to explore the information sharing behavior of doctors. For data collection, the researcher designed a questionnaire based on the literature review. The data was collected from 300 Doctors of College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan (CPSP) by using convenience sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to predict the relationships. Spearman correlation was used to measure the strength of relationship among different variables. The findings show that significant relationships exist among motives, barriers, usage intentions and satisfaction level. Four constructs of motives of information sharing (altruism, reputation, earn respect and networking) has positive effects with three constructs of behavior aspects of information sharing (self-efficacy, attitude, future intentions) and satisfaction. The results showed that barriers in information sharing have negative effects on motives, behavior aspects of information sharing and satisfaction. The current study would be an important addition to the information management literature in Pakistan. The findings would help the healthcare professionals to understand the dynamics of sharing information on social media. The finding have implications for hospitals, and healthcare institutions in Pakistan for developing strategies to make more effective policies in promotion of information sharing among doctors on social media.