Introduction

Literature review

Method

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

References

Abstract

Purpose – The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is the most frequently used model in knowledge sharing. However, the empirical results are inconclusive on whether TPB can provide reasonable prediction of knowledge sharing behavior (KSB). This study aims to examine TPB in knowledge sharing and identify potential moderators of relationships among constructs in TPB.
Design/methodology/approach – This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies examining TPB in knowledge sharing. A meta-analytical structural equation model (MASEM) was used to test original and modified TPB models and examine potential moderators.
Findings – The results show that attitude has the strongest relationship with intention, followed by perceived behavior control and then subjective norms. Intention shows the strongest association with KSB, followed by perceived behavior control. The moderator roles of culture, economic wealth and information technology support are found in the model.
Originality/value – This study is the first attempt to provide a systematic review and MASEM in TPB in knowledge sharing.

Introduction

Knowledge sharing has received increasing attention from researchers for more than a decade. Knowledge sharing is an individual action where acquired knowledge is disseminated to others. It includes both transmission and absorption processes: the knowledge poster externalizes the knowledge while the knowledge collector internalizes the knowledge Hendriks (1999), Ho et al. (2011). Because of sharing behavior, knowledge can be transmitted from individual to group and from one generation to another (Pai and Tsai, 2016). From a knowledge-based viewpoint, knowledge is identified as the most strategically important resource and a principal source of value creation, which brings many benefits in the forms of performance and innovation at individual, organizational and at wider macro levels of association (Alsharo et al., 2017). Knowledge sharing relies on a number of factors, particularly motivation and social environment (Ryu et al., 2003). As it is considered voluntary behavior, not all individuals are inclined to share knowledge with others. For instance, in a highly competitive environment, individuals may be reluctant to share knowledge because they feel a sense of threat to their competitive advantage, power, or status. Consequently, successful knowledge sharing can be difficult to achieve and encouraging an individual to share knowledge is not an easy task.