Employee’s intention to share knowledge: the impacts of learning organization culture and learning goal orientation

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine employees' perceived influence of the learning organization culture and learning goal orientation on their knowledge sharing attitude and intention across multiple industries. In connecting these concepts, the researchers incorporated theories of the knowledge-based firm, goal orientation and reasoned action.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to collect data from a total of 323 responses from eight South Korean organizations to examine the influence of organizational and individual learning factors on employees' knowledge sharing. Structural equation modeling showed that the proposed research model was supported by item internal consistency and model-fits.FindingsResults indicated that employees' learning goal orientation, knowledge sharing attitude and learning organization culture positively influence employees' knowledge sharing intention. This study highlights that those employees are more likely to share knowledge when employees with high learning goal orientation form a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing in a learning supportive culture and structure.Originality/valueThis study added to the literature of learning organizations by identifying a strong positive connection between the learning organization culture and employees' knowledge sharing. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in which the important roles were extended that the learning goal orientation exerts on employee behaviors when they perceive the organization valuing learning.