Why Should I Share: A Study of Knowledge Sharing in the Indian Context

The possession of valuable knowledge provides companies with sustained competitive advantage over competitors. The success of knowledge management initiatives by organizations hinges on the knowledge sharing behavior of its people. Using the framework of social exchange theory, we examined the effects of organizational rewards and perceived benefits to the team on employees’ knowledge sharing with their team members. The research model was validated through an online survey of 198 respondents working with high-technology firms in India. Consistent with expectations, both organizational rewards and perceived benefits to the team significantly impacted people’s knowledge sharing.