Willingness to share knowledge in healthcare organisations: the role of relational perception

Abstract

A growing number of studies have been conducted to study the antecedents of employees’ knowledge-sharing behaviours. However, the literature is limited regarding the influence of relational characteristics on knowledge sharing. We conducted a field study in two Dutch health care organisations, and examined employees’ willingness to share knowledge in 488 dyadic relationships. The results showed that an individual’s perceived reciprocity and positivity of a dyadic tie was positively related to that person’s willingness to share knowledge. Moreover, perceived competition was negatively related to willingness to share knowledge. Based on these findings, we discuss how to change organisational culture to encourage knowledge sharing. Suggestions for future research and practical implications are also offered.