Through the lens of Herzberg’s two-factor theory (1968) and self-determination theory (SDT) by Ryan and Deci (2000), this study explores the difference between knowledge hiding and knowledge sharing. Previous studies suggest that knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding are not opposite but different constructs. However, there is a lack of study in the literature to investigate the underlying theoretical mechanism. According to the two-factor theory, Herzberg differentiates between motivators and hygiene factors. This study suggests that motivators are related to knowledge sharing, while hygiene factors are related to knowledge hiding. Moreover, according to SDT, human beings have innate psychological needs that can be satisfied or frustrated depending on the environmental condition. This study further explains the relationship between hygiene factors and motivators, and knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding through the mediating mechanism based on SDT. According to SDT, this study proposes that lack of hygiene factors in the organizational environment manifests knowledge hiding behavior among employees through need frustration. In contrast, high motivators in the organizational environment lead to knowledge sharing through need satisfaction among the employees. This study aims to contribute to the literature by addressing the research gap and proposing a conceptual framework that explains the underlying mechanisms behind knowledge sharing and hiding. This study contributes Herzberg’s two-factor theory by extending the theory based on the SDT to provide distinct explanatory mediating mechanisms underlying knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding.

Authors:
Roksana Rezwan, Tokyo International University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Roksana Binte Rezwan is currently an assistant professor at the Institute for International Strategy, Tokyo International University, Japan, and previously worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Hiroshima University, Japan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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