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Explaining knowledge sharing with social capital theory in information systems development projects

Seyoon Lee (Center for Work Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea)
Jun-Gi Park (Center for Work Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea)
Jungwoo Lee (Center for Work Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 8 June 2015

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Abstract

Purpose

Owing to their complex and knowledge-intensive nature, information systems development (ISD) projects require effective collaboration between business and technology experts. In this regard, social capital theory may provide a valuable framework and insight into explaining knowledge sharing behavior in an ISD context. The purpose of this paper is to expand the theory of knowledge sharing as developed thus far in the ISD project context using the full-blown team social capital theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The expertise and communication effectiveness of business and technology professionals were posited as antecedents of team social capital and knowledge sharing. The research model for this study integrates expertise, communication, knowledge sharing, social capital, and team performance into a structural equation modeling. The research model was empirically tested with a data set from business and technology professional pairs collected from 115 ISD project teams.

Findings

The results indicated that team social capital and knowledge sharing have significant influences on team performance. Team social capital appears to have a stronger influence on knowledge sharing than business and technology expertise. Communication effectiveness and technology expertise are important antecedents to raise team social capital.

Originality/value

In this study, the social capital theory is applied toward enhancing the theory of knowledge sharing in ISD project teams. General social capital construct and measures are adopted and modified into the team social capital measures and validated empirically.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2012S1A3A2033474).

Citation

Lee, S., Park, J.-G. and Lee, J. (2015), "Explaining knowledge sharing with social capital theory in information systems development projects", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 115 No. 5, pp. 883-900. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-01-2015-0017

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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