How do institutional norms and trust influence knowledge sharing? An institutional theory

Abstract

We employed institutional theory to evaluate knowledge sharing by people, proposing that institutional norms enhance knowledge sharing. We assumed a micro-institutional approach with a simultaneous examination of the mediating role of trust on knowledge sharing. We employed structural equation modeling to analyze surveys from 340 employes, discovering that institutional norms are positively related to knowledge sharing. Trust serves as the dominant mediator in the relationship between institutional norms and knowledge sharing. Our purpose in applying isomorphic processes to knowledge sharing was to provide an additional layer of understanding for the growing body of research in institutional theory, bridging micro and macro theories with suggestions for future research.