Impact of Enterprise Social Networking Systems Use on Workplace Knowledge Hiding Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Knowledge Sharing Culture

Abstract

Organisations are always seeking to find new ways to improve organisational knowledge sharing. However, little research has empirically examined the relationship between enterprise social networking systems (ESNS) use and knowledge hiding behaviour. Drawing from the social exchange theory this paper examines the relationship between ESNS use and workplace knowledge hiding behaviour through the moderating role of knowledge sharing culture. The paper analyses data obtained from 289 employees working in the telecommunication and information technology sector in Jordan using a quantitative approach. The findings suggest that ESNS use only reduces knowledge hiding behaviour in organisations with high levels of knowledge sharing culture. For organisations with low levels of knowledge sharing culture, ESNS use had no impact on knowledge hiding behaviour. This study offers a better understanding of ESNS use and its impact on knowledge hiding behaviour in a developing country perspective and also discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.