Motivation to Share Knowledge Using Wiki Technology and the Moderating Effect of Role Perceptions

Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), Forthcoming

University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2015-905

45 Pages Posted: 12 May 2016 Last revised: 17 May 2016

See all articles by Ofer Arazy

Ofer Arazy

Independent

Ian R. Gellatly

University of Alberta - Department of Strategic Management and Organization

Esther Brainin

Ruppin Academic Center

Oded Nov

Tandon School of Engineering, New York University; New York University (NYU) - Department of Population Health

Date Written: May 15, 2015

Abstract

One of the key challenges for innovation and technology-mediated knowledge collaboration within organizational settings is motivating contributors to share their knowledge. Drawing upon self-determination theory, we investigate 2 forms of motivation: internally driven (autonomous motivation) and externally driven (controlled motivation). Knowledge sharing could be viewed as a required in-role activity or as discretionary extra-role behavior. In this study, we examine the moderating effect of role perceptions on the relations between each of the two motivational constructs and knowledge sharing, paying particular attention to the affordances of the enabling information technology. An analysis of survey data from a wiki-based organizational encyclopedia in a large, multinational firm reveals that when contributors' motivation is externally driven, they are more likely to share knowledge if this activity is viewed as in-role behavior. However, when contributors' motivation is internally driven, they are more likely to participate in knowledge sharing when this activity is viewed as extra-role behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

Arazy, Ofer and Gellatly, Ian R. and Brainin, Esther and Nov, Oded, Motivation to Share Knowledge Using Wiki Technology and the Moderating Effect of Role Perceptions (May 15, 2015). Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), Forthcoming, University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2015-905, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2778730

Ofer Arazy

Independent

Ian R. Gellatly (Contact Author)

University of Alberta - Department of Strategic Management and Organization ( email )

Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R6
Canada

Esther Brainin

Ruppin Academic Center ( email )

Emek Hefer
Emek Hefer 40250, 40250
Israel

Oded Nov

Tandon School of Engineering, New York University ( email )

Brooklyn, NY 11201
United States

New York University (NYU) - Department of Population Health ( email )

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