Emotional Factors Affecting Knowledge Sharing Intentions in the Context of Competitive Knowledge Network

Hyeon Gyu Jeon,Kun Chang Lee

doi:10.3390/su12041510

Abstract

This study deals with a competitive knowledge network (CKN) where participants desire to pass their personally important exams, and henceforth want to contribute and seek knowledge about exam-related issues they need to solve. Besides, CKN members are basically competing with each other since they all aim to pass the same exams. Therefore, from the contributor’s perspective, if the advisor fears that his/her advice can be detrimental to his or her own benefits, knowledge sharing (KS) intention within the CKN may be hindered by their expectation of competitive advantage. However, few studies were done about the effects of such fear and a sense of competition on KS continuance intention in the context of CKN. In this sense, our study aims to elucidate the effects of competition and fear on KS continuance intention in a mobile CKN. By using 296 valid questionnaires, we obtained very meaningful conclusions such that competition is a driving force rather than an obstacle to KS among CKN members, and fear also enhances members’ sustainable KS intention.

Highlights

Peer-to-peer problem solving virtual networks called knowledge networks have become widespread in many countries
We suggest that a large gap between members’ expectations and actual KS experience will reduce their degree of satisfaction in knowledge networks, and will lead them to stop participating in knowledge sharing
We suggest that members with higher ‘feelings of membership’ are more likely to want to have a strong relationship with their participating competitive knowledge network (CKN), which will encourage them to participate more actively in KS activities

Summary

Introduction

Peer-to-peer problem solving virtual networks called knowledge networks have become widespread in many countries. People routinely visit knowledge networks when they need others’ help and solutions for their own problems [1]. This phenomenon is expected to become more prevailing as mobile devices based on smartphones take a considerable portion of Internet time in our daily lives, which was rapidly increasing from 26% in 2014 to 48% in 2019 [2]. The greatest challenge of knowledge networks is to encourage members’ willingness to engage in acts of knowledge sharing (KS) [4,5]. Previous studies on knowledge networks have identified three main motivations for volunteer members [4], which include anticipated benefits and rewards, the moral obligation resulting from generalized reciprocity and altruistic behavior, and other factors (trust, identification, and social control) [5,6]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion