The effect of individual motivational factors towards knowledge sharing at small and medium enterprises

Abstract

Past researchers have acknowledged that knowledge sharing (KS) is one of the most important ingredients for the organisation’s performance. However, past studies have confined mainly in large organisations, and very little discussions are attributed to the KS practice in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study combined the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), self-determination theory (SDT) and social cognitive theory to investigate the underlying factors that influence knowledge sharing in SMEs. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to test the confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis before attempting the path and regression analysis. The analysis results confirmed that trust, self-efficacy, altruism, self-motivation and enjoyment were significant factors influencing knowledge sharing. The finding of this study provides a valuable insight of the process in enhancing knowledge sharing and serves as an important point of reference for academicians and practitioners to enrich understanding about knowledge sharing practice at SMEs.