VINE

Purpose – This research seeks to obtain a better understanding of the factors impacting the intent to share knowledge within the Vietnamese organizational context. While the literature provides some examples of cross-cultural studies involving knowledge sharing, there has been a lack of research on emerging economies such as Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical foundation for the paper is the theory of reasoned action (TRA), a social psychology framework that has been used extensively to explain many types of human behavior. The research model was formulated based on the original TRA framework as well as additional factors taken from the literature. Six variables were tested to determine their impact on the intention to share knowledge in an organizational context. Primary data were obtained from a survey administered to 124 employees in six multinational companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Findings – Regression analysis shows that TRA, for the most part, has explanatory power within the Vietnamese organizational context. All TRA constructs were found to be significant, except for extrinsic awards and expected associations. Examination of actual survey responses revealed that knowledge sharing is generally recognized as being a beneficial strategy in this context.

Research limitations/implications – The size and make-up of the sample were limiting factors in this study. In spite of these limitations, the results provide insight into knowledge-sharing intent in Vietnamese companies. Managers looking to enhance the knowledge-sharing capabilities of Vietnamese employees will find practical implications in the study.

Originality/value – The paper provides a much needed view of the organizational environment and knowledge-sharing culture of Vietnam, an emerging country rapidly entering into the knowledge economy.