How social identification and trust influence organizational online knowledge sharing

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual structural equation model to, first, investigate the relationships among knowledge management (KM) system quality, employees' self‐perceived social identification, trust at workplace as well as online knowledge sharing behaviors, and, second, demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of social identification and trust at workplace on online knowledge sharing from the perspective of KM system quality.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was distributed to 437 full‐time employees (n=437) from three technology companies in Taiwan. These companies have had years of experience in implementing KM systems. Data were analyzed by employing structural equation modeling.Findings – The results show that: social identification and trust at workplace have a mediating effect on online knowledge sharing within organizations; trust at workplace is the stronger mediator than social identification; social identification has a positive and significant i...

[1]  Binshan Lin,et al.  An Ecological Model for Organizational Knowledge Management , 2010, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[2]  Adeline du Toit,et al.  Establishing a knowledge management programme for competitive advantage in an enterprise , 2001, Int. J. Inf. Manag..

[3]  William R. King,et al.  Antecedents of Knowledge Transfer from Consultants to Clients in Enterprise System Implementations , 2005, MIS Q..

[4]  Rosemary H. Wild,et al.  A framework for e-learning as a tool for knowledge management , 2002, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[5]  Daniel Z. Levin,et al.  Trust and knowledge sharing: A critical combination , 2002 .

[6]  Daniel E. O'Leary,et al.  Enterprise Knowledge Management , 1998, Computer.

[7]  Eoin Whelan,et al.  Managing talent in knowledge-intensive settings , 2010, J. Knowl. Manag..

[8]  Kazushi Nishimoto,et al.  Informal Communication Support Media for Encouraging Knowledge-Sharing and Creation in a Community , 2007, Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Mak..

[9]  Pei-Lee Teh,et al.  Knowledge Sharing in is Personnel: Organizational Behavior's Perspective , 2011, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[10]  Wenpin Tsai Knowledge Transfer in Intraorganizational Networks: Effects of Network Position and Absorptive Capacity on Business Unit Innovation and Performance , 2001 .

[11]  F. Reid,et al.  Creating a knowledge‐sharing culture among diverse business units , 2003 .

[12]  J. Cook,et al.  New work attitude measures of trust, organizational commitment and personal need non‐fulfilment , 1980 .

[13]  Richard M. Steers,et al.  Organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover among psychiatric technicians. , 1974 .

[14]  D. A. Kenny,et al.  The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. , 1986, Journal of personality and social psychology.

[15]  Marina du Plessis,et al.  Drivers of knowledge management in the corporate environment , 2005, Int. J. Inf. Manag..

[16]  Shih-Chieh Fang,et al.  Early versus potential adopters: Exploring the antecedents of use intention in the context of retail service innovations , 2010 .

[17]  Uchenna Cyril Eze,et al.  Factors influencing internet-based information and communication technologies adoption among Malaysian small and medium enterprises , 2009 .

[18]  Morten T. Hansen,et al.  What's your strategy for managing knowledge? , 1999, Harvard business review.

[19]  Samer Faraj,et al.  Why Should I Share? Examining Social Capital and Knowledge Contribution in Electronic Networks of Practice , 2005, MIS Q..

[20]  K. Wei,et al.  The role of trust in promoting organizational knowledge seeking using knowledge management systems: An empirical investigation , 2009, J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol..

[21]  Tao Zhou,et al.  Understanding Online Community User Participation: A Social Influence Perspective , 2011, Internet Res..

[22]  M. D. Singh,et al.  Knowledge Management practices: a sectorial analysis , 2008 .

[23]  Petter Gottschalk,et al.  Research propositions for knowledge management systems supporting electronic business , 2006 .

[24]  Zoonky Lee,et al.  Social influence on technology acceptance behavior: self-identity theory perspective , 2006, DATB.

[25]  Petter Gottschalk,et al.  A comparison of leadership roles in internal IT projects versus outsourcing projects , 2005, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[26]  Detmar W. Straub,et al.  Trust and TAM in Online Shopping: An Integrated Model , 2003, MIS Q..

[27]  Jong-min Choe,et al.  The consideration of cultural differences in the design of information systems , 2004, Inf. Manag..

[28]  Michael H. Zack An MIS course integrating information technology and organizational issues , 1998, DATB.

[29]  Gavin M. Schwarz,et al.  The Influence of Perceptions of Social Identity on Information Technology-Enabled Change , 2005 .

[30]  Tsutomu Fujinami,et al.  A Knowledge Management System for Dynamic Organizational Knowledge Circulation , 2007, Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Mak..

[31]  I. Nonaka,et al.  How Japanese Companies Create the Dynamics of Innovation , 1995 .

[32]  Yujong Hwang,et al.  Investigating the role of identity and gender in technology mediated learning , 2010, Behav. Inf. Technol..

[33]  Jyh-Shen Chiou,et al.  The effect of community identification on attitude and intention toward a blogging community , 2009, Internet Res..

[34]  Xiaowen Fang,et al.  Personality and enjoyment of computer game play , 2010, Comput. Ind..

[35]  S. Alexander Haslam,et al.  Psychology in Organizations: The Social-Identity Approach , 2000 .

[36]  Hyangsoo Lee,et al.  Factors affecting employee knowledge acquisition and application capabilities , 2010 .

[37]  Yujong Hwang,et al.  A Preliminary Examination of the Factors for Knowledge Sharing in Technology Mediated Learning , 2008, J. Inf. Syst. Educ..

[38]  Binshan Lin,et al.  The Effect of Perceived Ethical Performance of Shopping Websites on Consumer Trust , 2009, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[39]  Yong Liu,et al.  The effect of flow experience on mobile SNS users' loyalty , 2010, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[40]  Chinho Lin,et al.  The implementation gaps for the knowledge management system , 2005, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[41]  Vallabh Sambamurthy,et al.  Sources of Influence on Beliefs about Information Technolgoy Use: An Empirical Study of Knowledge Workers , 2003, MIS Q..

[42]  Ahm Shamsuzzoha,et al.  Restructuring design processes for better information exchange , 2009 .

[43]  E. Kelloway,et al.  Predictors of employees’ perceptions of knowledge sharing cultures , 2003 .

[44]  Petter Gottschalk,et al.  Research Propositions for Knowledge Management Systems Supporting it Outsourcing Relationships , 2006, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[45]  Chih-Hung Tsai,et al.  Effect of Knowledge Management Systems on Operating Performance: An Empirical Study of Hi-Tech Companies Using the Balanced Scorecard Approach , 2007 .

[46]  Adrian A. Hopgood,et al.  Keeping a Distance-Education Course Current Through eLearning and Contextual Assessment , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[47]  Kwok Kee Wei,et al.  What drives continued knowledge sharing? An investigation of knowledge-contribution and -seeking beliefs , 2009, Decis. Support Syst..

[48]  Olivier Corby,et al.  Methods and tools for corporate knowledge management , 1999, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud..

[49]  M. Beyerlein,et al.  Knowledge transfer and management consulting: A look at “The firm” , 2000 .

[50]  A. Jantunen Knowledge‐processing capabilities and innovative performance: an empirical study , 2005 .

[51]  Aminah Ahmad,et al.  The Relationship between Transformational Leadership Behaviors, Organizational Justice, Leader-Member Exchange, Perceived Organizational Support, Trust in Management and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors , 2008 .

[52]  Peter A. Facione,et al.  The Motivation to Think in Working and Learning. , 1996 .

[53]  Ganesh D. Bhatt,et al.  Knowledge management in organizations: examining the interaction between technologies, techniques, and people , 2001, J. Knowl. Manag..

[54]  Chinho Lin,et al.  The Mediate Effect of Trust on Organizational Online Knowledge Sharing: an Empirical Study , 2010, Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Mak..

[55]  Shu-Chen Yang,et al.  Social capital, behavioural control, and tacit knowledge sharing - A multi-informant design , 2009, Int. J. Inf. Manag..

[56]  U. Cress,et al.  The social psychology of knowledge management , 2008 .

[57]  I. Nonaka,et al.  The Concept of “Ba”: Building a Foundation for Knowledge Creation , 1998 .

[58]  David C. Blair,et al.  Knowledge management: Hype, hope, or help? , 2002, J. Assoc. Inf. Sci. Technol..

[59]  Roy D. Johnson,et al.  Information management as an enabler of knowledge management maturity: A South African perspective , 2010, Int. J. Inf. Manag..

[60]  Lillian V. Ortiz-Fournier,et al.  Overcoming cultural barriers for innovation and knowledge sharing , 2009, J. Knowl. Manag..

[61]  Eric T. G. Wang,et al.  Understanding knowledge sharing in virtual communities: An integration of social capital and social cognitive theories , 2006, Decis. Support Syst..

[62]  Karl W. Kuhnert,et al.  A Theoretical Review and Empirical Investigation of Employee Trust in Management , 1992 .

[63]  D. Campbell,et al.  Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multimethod matrix. , 1959, Psychological bulletin.

[64]  Yen-Ku Kuo,et al.  The Km Chain — Empirical Study of the Vital Knowledge Sourcing Links , 2008, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[65]  Zahra Tohidinia,et al.  Knowledge sharing behaviour and its predictors , 2010, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[66]  David Solnet,et al.  Introducing employee social identification to customer satisfaction research: a hotel industry study , 2006 .

[67]  Chun-Ming Chang,et al.  Knowledge sharing behavior in virtual communities: The relationship between trust, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations , 2007, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud..

[68]  T. Ramayah,et al.  Information Exchange and Supply Chain Performance , 2010, Int. J. Inf. Technol. Decis. Mak..

[69]  Daniel J. McAllister Affect- and Cognition-Based Trust as Foundations for Interpersonal Cooperation in Organizations , 1995 .

[70]  Lingfang Li Reputation, Trust, and Rebates: How Online Auction Markets Can Improve Their Feedback Mechanisms , 2009 .

[71]  Min-Sook Park,et al.  Consumer adoption of virtual stores in Korea: Focusing on the role of trust and playfulness , 2009 .

[72]  Atreyi Kankanhalli,et al.  Contributing Knowledge to Electronic Knowledge Repositories: An Empirical Investigation , 2005, MIS Q..

[73]  H. Kelman Compliance, identification, and internalization three processes of attitude change , 1958 .

[74]  N. Ellemers,et al.  Self‐categorisation, commitment to the group and group self‐esteem as related but distinct aspects of social identity , 1999 .

[75]  T. Levine,et al.  Computer use, confidence, attitudes, and knowledge : A causal analysis , 1998 .

[76]  Edward T. Chen,et al.  Implementation of Knowledge Management Systems and Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation , 2005, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[77]  Birgit Renzl Trust in management and knowledge sharing: The mediating effects of fear and knowledge documentation , 2008 .

[78]  Dail Fields,et al.  Trust and tacit knowledge sharing and use , 2010, J. Knowl. Manag..

[79]  Paul Jackson,et al.  Capturing, structuring and maintaining knowledge: a social software approach , 2010, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[80]  Li-An Ho,et al.  What affects organizational performance?: The linking of learning and knowledge management , 2008, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[81]  William A. Kahn Psychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work , 1990 .

[82]  Le Chen,et al.  Identifying key enablers to improve business performance in Taiwanese electronic manufacturing companies , 2010 .

[83]  Jin Tong,et al.  Chinese cultural influences on knowledge management practice , 2009, J. Knowl. Manag..

[84]  Andrew W. H. Ip,et al.  Knowledge elicitation approach in enhancing tacit knowledge sharing , 2011, Ind. Manag. Data Syst..

[85]  Félix Gómez Mármol,et al.  Trust and Reputation Models Comparison , 2011, Internet Res..

[86]  M. Buelens,et al.  Knowledge Sharing in Public Sector Organizations: The Effect of Organizational Characteristics on Interdepartmental Knowledge Sharing , 2006 .

[87]  Bongsug Chae,et al.  Exploring Knowledge Management Using Network Theories: Questions, Paradoxes and Prospects , 2005, J. Comput. Inf. Syst..

[88]  Angel Cabrera,et al.  Knowledge-Sharing Dilemmas , 2002 .

[89]  Jonathon N. Cummings Work Groups, Structural Diversity, and Knowledge Sharing in a Global Organization , 2004, Manag. Sci..

[90]  Peter J. Sher,et al.  Information Technology as a Facilitator of Enhancing Dynamic Capability through Knowledge Management , 2020 .