Work

Effect of a community of practice on knowledge sharing across boundaries: the mediating role of learning goals

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose A community of practice (CoP) is believed to be a driver for knowledge creation but it can hinder knowledge sharing across boundaries. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study aims to investigate how a CoP within a single unit promotes knowledge sharing with other units by examining the mediating effect of the members’ learning goals (LG). Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling was conducted using a two-wave survey data on nurses from eight Japanese hospitals (n = 263). Findings The results indicated that LG fully and positively mediated the effect of a CoP on the knowledge-sharing intention of one unit toward other units and that LG fully and negatively mediated the effect of a CoP on knowledge withholding (KW) from other units. Practical implications Knowledge managers need to note that intellectual benefits from experienced CoP can play a key role in reducing the perceived risks associated with members’ knowledge sharing and in creating effective knowledge sharing with other units. Originality/value The main contribution is to identify the process by which CoP promotes knowledge sharing and prevents KW across boundaries mediated through LG. This study is the first to quantitatively show how LG cross inter-professional barriers caused by CoPs.

Source: Journal of Knowledge Management

DOI: 10.1108/jkm-08-2020-0604

Authors: Makoto Matsuo, Motohiro Aihara

Institution: Hokkaido University

Language: English

Topic: Knowledge Management and Sharing

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Awards: Organizational factors for merchandising process innovation in retailing, A study on determinants of learning goal orientation