The impact of psychological contracts on knowledge sharing in startups

Abstract

Drawing upon established theories such as exchange theory, social capital, reasoned action, and psychological contracts, this scholarly article aims to delve into the intricate dynamics of how psychological contracts impact individual motivations to share knowledge, consequently influencing the outcomes of startups. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilised in-depth personal interviews and focus groups to gather data, which was subsequently subjected to meticulous content analysis using the NVivo software. The research adopted a triangulation approach, considering data from startups across diverse industries and varying levels of maturity, with insights gleaned from the perspectives of founding partners, directors, and employees. It is important to note that most existing studies predominantly focus on well-established organisations of various sizes, primarily within Anglo-Saxon countries. In contrast, this study pioneers an examination of how psychological contracts affect knowledge sharing in multi-levels: (i) micro - individual, (ii) meso – intra organisational, and (iii) macro – inter organisations, specifically within startups from emerging economies, thereby taking into account their unique idiosyncrasies. The findings shed light on employees' primary perceptions of their obligations and the organisation’s commitments. Moreover, they unveil how contextual and situational factors influence the advance of social relations and subsequently impact knowledge sharing within startups, directly affecting individual and organisational outcomes.