Knowledge sharing in a multi-nationality workforce: examining the factors that influence knowledge sharing among employees of diverse nationalities

Abstract

Knowledge sharing has been described as a key aspect of knowledge management. Most previous studies have examined knowledge sharing among employees from the same nationality but studies on knowledge sharing among multi-nationalities employees is rare. This study investigated factors that influence knowledge sharing among employees of diverse nationality in a multinational setting. The survey method via the use of the questionnaire was employed to collect data from 189 employees working with a multinational organization in Saudi Arabia. The data was analysed using the structural equation modelling (smart PLS). The result indicated that trust and management support are significant factors that influence knowledge sharing among employees of multi-nationality. This paper concludes that factors that affect knowledge sharing could differ in an organization with diversity of employees. Employees' diverse culture, languages, beliefs, and experiences could affect the knowledge sharing process especially in a multi-nationalities organization. The implications of the findings were discussed.