Investigating Knowledge Transfer Practices: Insights from Software Development Project Managers

Abstract

Software Development Projects (SDPs) in developing economies often experience high failure rates, with the knowledge transfer (KT) behavior of SDP managers being a key challenge. While research on KT behavior is extensive in developed nations, limited studies focus on emerging economies, particularly Nigeria. This study aims to examine the factors influencing KT behavior among SDP managers in Nigeria based of insights from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the SECI model. This study employs a quantitative research approach with multiple regression analysis in SPSS to test the research hypothesis and analyze the relationships among the variables in the proposed model. Data was collected from 160 SDP managers in Nigeria using a structured survey questionnaire. The results indicate that Work Motivation, Trust to Share, Social Interaction, IT Infrastructure, and Security and Privacy significantly influence KT behavior among SDP managers. However, Reciprocity, Social Identity, and Shared Language were found to have no significant impact. These findings suggest that both psychological and technological factors play a vital role in fostering KT behavior, however SDP managers in Nigeria do not regard reciprocal benefit social identity and shared languages as critical factors that influences their KT behaviors. This study provides insights for SDP managers, policymakers, and knowledge management practitioners on the factors that can improve KT behaviors of SDP managers. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, such as fostering trust-based collaboration, strengthening IT infrastructure, and ensuring secure knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance KT practices.