Knowledge Exchange Roles and EKR Performance Impact: Extending the Theory of Knowledge Reuse

43 Pages Posted: 8 Nov 2015

See all articles by Nicole Forsgren

Nicole Forsgren

GitHub

Rajiv Sabherwal

University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business

Alexandra Durcikova

University of Oklahoma - Division of Management Information Systems (MIS)

Date Written: November 8, 2015

Abstract

Organizations are spending considerable resources on electronic knowledge repositories (EKRs) that should have a positive impact on employees’ EKR performance impact. Building on theory of knowledge reuse, we argue that the individual’s knowledge exchange role mediates the effect of previously studied context variables (time pressure, extrinsic and intrinsic rewards, and knowledge sharing self-efficacy) on EKR performance impact. In order to create the knowledge exchange roles, we simultaneously consider both knowledge contribution (embedded process, separate activity) and reuse (internal EKR, external EKR, colleagues, manuals, knowledge self-reliance). Using these knowledge exchange behaviors, we classify the sample of 130 system administrators into four roles: self-reliant contributors, detached moderates, involved brokers, and reluctant non-adopters. Results indicate that the effects of intrinsic rewards and knowledge sharing self-efficacy on EKR performance impact are fully mediated by knowledge exchange role. While extrinsic rewards influence knowledge roles, their effect is not mediated through knowledge roles. Time pressure does not influence either knowledge exchange roles or EKR performance impact.

Keywords: knowledge management, role theory, cluster analysis, intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, performance

JEL Classification: D83, M52

Suggested Citation

Forsgren, Nicole and Sabherwal, Rajiv and Durcikova, Alexandra, Knowledge Exchange Roles and EKR Performance Impact: Extending the Theory of Knowledge Reuse (November 8, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2687732 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2687732

Nicole Forsgren (Contact Author)

GitHub ( email )

560 Haight St #108
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States

Rajiv Sabherwal

University of Arkansas - Sam M. Walton College of Business ( email )

Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States

Alexandra Durcikova

University of Oklahoma - Division of Management Information Systems (MIS) ( email )

307 W. Brooks, Suite 307E
Norman, OK 73019
United States

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