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Coworkers’ responses to knowledge sharing: the moderating role of a knowledge contributor’s job competence

Paul Tang (Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao)
Jennifer Y.M. Lai (Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao)
Xiaoyun Chen (Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao)
Siu Fong Isabel Fu (Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao)

The Learning Organization

ISSN: 0969-6474

Article publication date: 5 February 2024

Issue publication date: 10 July 2024

178

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the reciprocal relationship between an employee’s knowledge sharing and his or her coworkers’ responses to this focal contributor in terms of knowledge sharing and helping behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave online survey collected data from 84 respondents who provided ratings on each member on their team, representing 440 dyadic relationships. Hierarchical linear modeling analyzed the between-subjects and within-subject data simultaneously.

Findings

Employees generally reciprocate contributors’ knowledge sharing with an exact act (i.e. knowledge sharing) through the mechanism of peer respect. However, respect generated by knowledge sharing is enhanced only when the knowledge contributor is competent.

Originality/value

Research on how an employee’s knowledge sharing actually influences other members of a team is lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining responses to a team member’s knowledge sharing from a peer’s perspective. It also reveals when knowledge sharing is more pronounced in earning peer respect.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant provided by the Research and Development Administration Office of University of Macau [MYRG2014-00087-FBA].

Citation

Tang, P., Lai, J.Y.M., Chen, X. and Fu, S.F.I. (2024), "Coworkers’ responses to knowledge sharing: the moderating role of a knowledge contributor’s job competence", The Learning Organization, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 673-692. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-11-2022-0129

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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