Abstract

Researchers claimed that motivational factors and organizational sharing mechanisms can facilitate successful knowledge sharing. However, few empirical studies have investigated the cross-level determinants of knowledge sharing intentions of individuals. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this theoretical framework examines the cross-level effects of organizational formal and relational sharing mechanisms on the relationships between employee’s promotion focus, knowledge sharing intentions and knowledge sharing behavior. In this study, we expect that organizational formal and relational sharing mechanisms can moderate the relationship between promotion focus and knowledge sharing intentions. Based on a survey of 239 knowledgeable workers from 33 public manufacturing firms in Taiwan, this study applies the Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) to test the conceptual framework. Results showed that, at the individual level, promotion focus was positively related to knowledge sharing intentions. Also, organizational formal and relational sharing mechanisms have positive effects on knowledge sharing intentions. Still, more organizational formal and relational sharing mechanisms would lower the positive relationship between promotion focus and knowledge sharing intentions. Knowledge sharing intention was positively related to knowledge sharing behavior. Finally, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.  

Keywords

knowledge sharing mechanismpromotion focusknowledge sharing intention