Knowledge sharing among architects in a project design team: An empirical test of theory of reasoned action in China

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the theory of reasoned action as a general framework to predict knowledge‐sharing behavior and offer practical guidance to promote knowledge sharing in the Chinese construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data, structural equation modeling was applied to test the theory of reasoned action in the architectural design project team context in China.

Findings

The results suggest that attitude toward knowledge sharing is more important than subjective norms in determining architects' willingness to share knowledge. But the two factors are positively correlated.

Research limitations/implications

Although theory of reasoned action provides us with a powerful prediction model, it cannot explain the underlying mental processes. More attention should be paid to the development of the explanatory model in future researches.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper usefully imply that team managers should focus more on training architects to have a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing, so as to increase knowledge‐sharing behaviors. Moreover, the architectural design organizations should build up a knowledge‐sharing culture so that architects' attitudes toward knowledge sharing become more positive.

Citation

Zhikun, D. and Fungfai, N. (2009), "Knowledge sharing among architects in a project design team: An empirical test of theory of reasoned action in China", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 130-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506140910963639