An Investigation of Knowledge Sharing from a Social Capital Perspective: How Social Capital and Growth Needs Affect Tacit Knowledge Acquisition and Individual Satisfaction

Abstract

This study examines the effects of social capital and growth needs on individual knowledge acquisition within software project teams through the adoption of a multi-informant questionnaire approach. The results indicate that social capital is helpful in tacit knowledge acquisition, which in turn leads to higher satisfaction. In particular, the relationship between affect-based trust and team satisfaction is not significant but mediated by tacit knowledge acquisition. The effect of affect-based trust on tacit knowledge acquisition is not contingent on growth needs. However, the relationship between shared values and tacit knowledge acquisition is stronger among individuals who possess a low level of growth needs. Several managerial implications and limitations are proposed.