Evaluation of factors influencing knowledge sharing based on a fuzzy AHP approach

Although previous studies have identified various factors that facilitate knowledge sharing, the relative importance of these factors has not been empirically determined. The purpose of this study is to propose an evolution model that integrates triangular fuzzy numbers and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to develop a fuzzy evaluation model which prioritizes the relative weights of the factors influencing knowledge sharing. A literature review and factor analysis are performed, generating 16 attributes related to four dimensions affecting knowledge sharing. Then, a fuzzy AHP approach is adopted to determine the relative weights linking the four dimensions with the 16 evaluated attributes. Finally, an empirical case from the Taiwanese shipping industry is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results not only provide a fuzzy evaluation model for calculation of the relative importance of these influences on knowledge sharing, but can also help managers focus on the most important factors and identify the best policy for promoting knowledge sharing.