Knowledge sharing practice and communication network of the Alangan Mangyan farmers in Baco, Oriental Mindoro

Date

4-2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Development Communication

College

College of Development Communication (CDC)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ma. Teresita B. Osalla

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is one aspect of knowledge management that if understood can contribute greatly to the development of new and more effective strategies to achieve individual and organizational productivity. This study sought to 1) determine the profile and socio-demographic characteristics of the members of the Alangan Mangyan community; 2) describe the modes of communication during knowledge sharing; 3) describe the settings where knowledge sharing commonly occurred in the community; 4)identify the network and non-network variables that affect knowledge sharing within the Alangan Mangyans; and 5) analyze their communication network structure during knowledge sharing processes. Forty-five Alangan Mangyan farmers from Baco, Oriental Mindoro served as the respondents of the study. Data were analyzed using the communication network approach, Stuart’s (1985) formula, UCINET 6.0, and comparisons of tables and figures. There were more males than females.The youngest respondent was 17 years old while the oldest was 67 years old. Most respondents were married. Nearly half did not undergo any kind of formal education. The Alangan Mangyans were highly dependent on interpersonal communication and face-to-face communication in generating, learning, and sharing knowledge. Knowledge sharing happened in informal settings such as each other’s houses usually on regular days. Only 31 percent of the connections initiated by the respondents were reciprocated when they communicate with other actors. However, all members in the network were well-connected to one another. Using centrality analyses, three female actors were identified as central nodes. A close comparison of individual connectedness and reciprocity values, and linkages established revealed that three female members of the community have the highest connectedness, reciprocity, and number of linkages established among all of the respondents. Results of the study refute the assumption that the number of varieties crops planted and the duration a respondent plants a crop is related to his/her personal knowledge and skill level in farming. Also, those who held positions in the community did not always have influence over the other members. Furthermore, another significant finding of this study is that out of the 941 ties, 874 links were produced from family relationships. Since most of them considered all the other respondents as a part of their family, this finding only means that kinship plays a major role in the generation and sharing of new knowledge. It is recommended that women farmers be given positions in their political structure to further establish their roles, and empower them to voice out their opinions with regards to agriculture. Furthermore, the local government units of Baco, Oriental Mindoro and non- government organizations that are concerned with agriculture must consider the various interpersonal communication strategies in introducing new agricultural technologies and innovations to the  Alangan Mangyans.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Document Type

Thesis

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