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The influences of internal work locus of control on knowledge loss and organizational performance: role of job rotation in Chinese construction firms

Beatrice Audifasi Nyallu (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China)
Xiaopeng Deng (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China)
Melckzedeck Michael Mgimba (Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 1 October 2024

112

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge loss (KL) is still an unfortunate fact, causing many challenges, including poor organisational performance, despite prior efforts to investigate knowledge retention methods. Therefore, this study identifies early approaches to combat KL and poor organisational performance, shifting focus on employee personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded on the social exchange theory (SET) cross-section data from 400 Chinese construction knowledge employees were used to investigate the role of internal work locus of control (IWLC) on job rotation (JR), KL and organisational performance. The data were analysed through IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and SmartPLS 4 software.

Findings

The results demonstrated that IWLC minimises KL and positively influences JR. Then, JR negatively influences KL and decreases in organisational performance. The negative mediating effect of JR in the relationship between IWLC, KL and decreased organisational performance were also found. Finally, KL proved to positively influence a decrease in organisational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the new understanding of individual behaviour and its influence on organisational outcome variables. Specifically, for ultimate KL prevention and organisational performance improvement, an organisation should understand its employees' behaviours to establish progressive collective learning and knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the new understanding of individual behaviour and its influence on organisational outcome variables. Specifically, for ultimate KL prevention and organisational performance improvement, an organisation should understand its employees’ behaviours to establish progressive collective learning and knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to explore the influence of personality traits in the early minimisation of KL, particularly the role of IWLC and JR in combating KL and improving organisational performance.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation Project (No. 72171048). Also, special thanks are given to the Southeast University scholarship for sponsoring the first author to study and conduct research at the Southeast University, Nanjing.

Citation

Nyallu, B.A., Deng, X. and Mgimba, M.M. (2024), "The influences of internal work locus of control on knowledge loss and organizational performance: role of job rotation in Chinese construction firms", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-03-2023-0258

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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