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Loaded with knowledge, yet green with envy: leader–member exchange comparison and coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior
- Source :
- Journal of Knowledge Management. 24:1653-1680
- Publication Year :
- 2020
- Publisher :
- Emerald, 2020.
-
Abstract
- PurposeThis study aims to explore an interpersonal predictor of coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior – the leader–member exchange social comparison (LMXSC). This study integrates leader–member exchange literature with social comparison theory to hypothesize that an individual’s upward LMXSC is positively correlated with coworkers-directed knowledge hiding and that an individual’s feelings of envy are mediated by the relationship between upward LMXSC and coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior. Also, this study proposes two-way and three-way interaction patterns of goal interdependence, which can influence LMXSC–envy relationships.Design/methodology/approachTwo independent studies are conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. In Study 1, the authors collected multi-wave data from a large public sector university in China (N = 1,131). The authors then replicated the Study 1 findings by collecting multi-source and multi-wave data from a telecom company based in China (n = 379).FindingsThe authors found support across both studies for the idea that upward LMXSC is a possible interpersonal predictor of coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior. More specifically, it was found that feelings of envy ensue from upward LMXSC, resulting in further coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior. Further, this study shows that the influence of upward LMXSC on knowledge hiding behavior via feelings of envy was weaker (stronger) when employees have high (low) cooperative goal interdependence with coworkers, respectively, and when employees have low (high) competitive goal interdependence with the coworkers, respectively.Originality/valueThis study extends current knowledge management literature by introducing LMXSC as an interpersonal predictor of coworkers-directed knowledge hiding behavior. This will help practitioners to curb such counterproductive behavior.
- Subjects :
- Social comparison theory
Knowledge management
business.industry
Strategy and Management
media_common.quotation_subject
05 social sciences
Public sector
050109 social psychology
Interpersonal communication
Test (assessment)
Feeling
Management of Technology and Innovation
0502 economics and business
0501 psychology and cognitive sciences
Knowledge hiding
business
Psychology
Social psychology
050203 business & management
media_common
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 13673270
- Volume :
- 24
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Knowledge Management
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........11925a8ce2dec568cdaaabc084042155