Employee acceptance of online platforms for knowledge sharing: exploring differences in usage behaviour

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the technology acceptance model’s applicability in understanding employees’ acceptance of online platforms for knowledge sharing in organisations. Specifically, this research explores gender differences in using online platforms for sharing knowledge at the workplace in an emerging market context and the role of individuals’ motivation in online platform usage in organisations.Design/methodology/approachA web-based survey was conducted in Vietnam with 290 responses from employees in the banking and insurance industries.FindingsBoth intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influenced the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and online platform usage for knowledge sharing. The results also confirm a significant influence of perceived ease of use directly on knowledge sharing behaviour using online platforms and indirectly via perceived usefulness. Regarding gender differences, perceived ease of use was more salient in women, while men considered perceived usefulness to a greater extent.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a complete picture of gender, motivation and technology used for knowledge sharing in organisational settings.Originality/valueThis research has provided additional insight into the importance of gender and motivation in technology acceptance. By doing this, this study helps organisations capture the potential of valuable human resources for their competitiveness.