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Tacit knowledge sharing, self‐efficacy theory, and application to the Open Source community

Megan Lee Endres (Assistant Professor of Management, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA)
Steven P. Endres (Principal Consultant and Owner, Complex Systems Management, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA)
Sanjib K. Chowdhury (Associate Professor, at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA)
Intakhab Alam (MBA Student and Research Assistant, at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA)

Journal of Knowledge Management

ISSN: 1367-3270

Article publication date: 5 June 2007

8621

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the self‐efficacy model to compare knowledge‐sharing activities in the Open Source community versus those in a traditional organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Current literature on tacit knowledge sharing and information about the Open Source community is synthesized in the study with research concerning self‐efficacy formation. The knowledge‐sharing literature is applied in the paper to the self‐efficacy model.

Findings

Through a synthesis of different streams of literature, the paper concludes that the self‐efficacy model serves as a useful framework for better understanding the effects of context on tacit knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Open Source community may provide an ideal set of subjects to whom the model can be applied.

Research limitations/implications

Only propositions are offered, and the conclusions are suggestions for future research. The self‐efficacy model has been successfully applied to other areas of research in early stages (e.g. entrepreneurship) and provides a valid, tangible framework that allows many research possibilities.

Practical implications

The self‐efficacy model is practical and usable in a real‐world situation. A software manager (or other manager) can easily look at the inputs and outcomes of the model and see where he/she could positively affect tacit knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This paper takes a highly valid and respected model and applies it to individual tacit knowledge sharing, a field in which little cross‐discipline work is done. This paper bridges a central organizational behavior/psychological theory with knowledge management research.

Keywords

Citation

Lee Endres, M., Endres, S.P., Chowdhury, S.K. and Alam, I. (2007), "Tacit knowledge sharing, self‐efficacy theory, and application to the Open Source community", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 92-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270710752135

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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