Exploring research data sharing behaviour of scholars in Hong Kong

Abstract

Purpose: Scientific stakeholders across a range of disciplines are increasingly recognising the necessity for research data sharing. This dissertation attempted to explore the key influential factors that have positive or negative impacts on the research data sharing behaviour of scholars in Hong Kong. Methodology: The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) served as theoretical lens for the research model and hypotheses, and a questionnaire survey was subsequently designed and distributed using convenience and snowballing sampling to researchers in a research-led comprehensive university in Hong Kong. The questionnaire items were evaluated for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and for validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The causal structure of the research model was assessed using structural equation modelling (SEM) supported by AMOS Graphics software. Results: An analysis of 193 valid responses exhibited that the model can adequately predict the research data sharing behaviour of scholars in Hong Kong. Four out of five pair-wise relations between first and second order factors were confirmed, and the analyses supported eight out of ten proposed hypotheses. In the core model, intention, perceived behavioural control, and attitude were indeed found to be of significant influence on the data sharing behaviour. In the extended model, factors of time and labour cost were merged as perceived efforts based on EFA analysis. Regarding the causal relations, the results supported the influence of three encouraging factors, e.g. perceived benefits, perceived support, and perceived data sharing environment, and one discouraging factor, e.g. perceived risks. Neither subjective norm to intention nor perceived efforts to attitude was found to be significantly related. Value: The research enhanced the theoretical backbone of this strand of investigation by incorporating second level factors into the model, showing a comprehensive picture from different angles. It then empirically examined the determinants of the data sharing behaviour in the region of Hong Kong, and justified a majority of hypotheses with the support of the sample data. Both the methodology and findings could be utilized to facilitate researches in the same stream. Practically, the research assisted the formation of policies to encourage data sharing. Factors that essentially aim to emphasise the data sharing benefits, alleviate scholars’ concerns on the potential risks, and engender a favourable environment could all facilitate the data sharing behaviour.