Social capital and individual motivations on knowledge sharing: Participant involvement as a moderator |
| |
Authors: | Hsin Hsin ChangAuthor Vitae Shuang-Shii ChuangAuthor Vitae |
| |
Affiliation: | National Cheng Kung University, Department of Business Administration, Institute of International Business, Taiwan |
| |
Abstract: | The Internet is a communication channel that allows individuals to share information and knowledge. However, it is not obvious why individuals share knowledge with strangers for no apparent benefit. What are the critical factors influencing such behavior? To attempt to understand this paradox, we combined the theories of social capital and individual motivation to investigate the factors influencing knowledge sharing behavior in a virtual community, applying a participant involvement concept to analyze the moderating effects of individual motivation on knowledge sharing behavior. By analyzing the results of a survey using a questionnaire, we found that altruism, identification, reciprocity, and shared language had a significant and positive effect on knowledge sharing. Reputation, social interaction, and trust had positive effects on the quality, but not the quantity, of shared knowledge. Participant involvement had a moderating effect on the relationship of altruism and the quantity of shared knowledge. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. |
| |
Keywords: | Social capital Knowledge sharing Individual motivations Participant involvement Virtual community |
本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录! |
|