Knowledge sharing and the theory of planned behavior: a meta-analysis review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) based on a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis was applied as a research methodology, and 47 studies were included in this study with a total population of 15,528 people (mean = 353). The authors summarized previous studies which used the TPB for predicting (KSB).

Findings

Findings reveal that KSB is determined jointly by knowledge-sharing intention (KSI) and perceived behavioral control (PBC). Intention itself is a function of attitude toward knowledge sharing, subjective norm surrounding knowledge sharing and PBC to perform KSB.

Practical implications

The primary implication of this meta-analysis is to deeply interpret the essence of KSB r and its determinants, in which managers can foster the conduction of this valuable behavior in their organizations. However, as a limitation, a remarkable threat to validity in the existing literature is a potential “cooperation bias” in which participants likely overestimate their knowledge sharing intention and knowledge sharing behavior. In future studies, this limitation can be addressed by measuring actual KSB.

Originality/value

This study is the first meta-analysis conducted to investigate the prediction power of the TPB for determining KSB. While there are several contradictions reported in the researches which used the TPB in the knowledge-sharing context, this research has summarized and reported the results.

Citation

Afshar Jalili, Y. and Ghaleh, S. (2021), "Knowledge sharing and the theory of planned behavior: a meta-analysis review", VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 236-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-02-2019-0023