Trust evaluation for inter-organization knowledge sharing via the e-learning community

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a trust-based knowledge-sharing framework based on the characteristics of the e-learning community.

Design/methodology/approach

The interaction network is constructed to illustrate the relationships between knowledge-sharing agents and objects. Then, a trust evaluation method for knowledge sharing is proposed based on identified agent types and object types. Three sub-methods are included in the model to provide the trust-level references between agents.

Findings

This study develops strategies based on proposed diagnosis framework to improve the willingness of knowledge sharing in the e-learning community. Finally, the authors apply the proposed diagnosis framework to a case study in China to propose strategies for the development of inter-organization knowledge sharing via e-learning community.

Originality/value

Previous research on e-learning community strategies has generally suggested broad guidelines without diagnosing the current trust status. The purpose of this study is to design a trust-based knowledge-sharing framework based on the characteristics of the e-learning community.

Citation

Wu, B. and Zhang, C. (2015), "Trust evaluation for inter-organization knowledge sharing via the e-learning community", The Electronic Library, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 400-416. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-08-2013-0140