Two Faces of Consciousness on Knowledge Sharing Dilemmas: The Moderating Role of LMXSC

Abstract

The current study takes a self and other-centered approach to examining two faces of consciousness on knowledge sharing dilemma in organizations. Building on these narrow traits of conscientiousness by Moon (2001), we propose that a facet of personality related to concern for others (duty) is positively related to knowledge sharing behavior, whereas a facet of personality related to self-interest and personal achievement (achievement striving) is negatively related to knowledge sharing. Consistent with the hypotheses, regression analyses involving data collected from 162 employee-supervisor dyadic samples demonstrate that the other-centered trait, duty, was positively related to knowledge sharing, whereas the self-centered trait, achievement striving, was negatively related to knowledge sharing. In addition, the authors found that low leader - member exchange social comparison (LMXSC) reflects characteristics of situations described by advocates of trait activation theory as strengthening the influence of consciousness on knowledge sharing. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.