Factors Influencing Knowledge-Sharing Behavior in Virtual Communities: A Longitudinal Investigation

Abstract

This article examines the change of the roles of trust, commitment, and self-efficacy with time. Data were collected from 150 members of a technical virtual community. The results reveal that trust and knowledge-sharing self-efficacy influence knowledge-sharing intention at two points of measurement significantly, while commitment significantly affects knowledge-sharing intention at the second point of measurement. The relationship between trust and knowledge-sharing intention decrease over time, whereas the link between commitment and knowledge-sharing intention increases with time.

Keywords:

• knowledge-sharing behavior
• virtual communities
• trust
• commitment
• knowledge-sharing self-efficacy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chun-Ming Chang

Chun-Ming Chang is currently an associate professor at the Department of International Business, Ming Chuan University, Taipei, Taiwan. He holds a PhD degree in Management from National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. His current research interests include electronic commerce and knowledge management. He has published articles in Decision Support Systems, Information Systems Journal, Computers in Human Behavior, International Journal of Human–Computer Studies, Journal of Knowledge Management, Behaviour and Information Technology, etc.

Meng-Hsiang Hsu

Meng-Hsiang Hsu is currently a distinguished professor at the Department of Information Management and a vice president at National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. He holds a PhD from National Sun-Yat-Sen University, Taiwan. His research interests include knowledge management, information ethics, and electronic commerce. He has published articles in Decision Support Systems, Information Systems Journal, Journal of Business Ethics, Behaviour and Information Technology, Computers in Human Behavior, Journal of Knowledge Management, Information Systems and e-Business Management, Computer & Education, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Management Review, etc.

Yi-Jung Lee

Yi-Jung Lee holds a PhD in management from National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. She has devoted herself to the public affairs and worked in the media and services industry for over a decade. Also, she serves as a volunteer at non-profit organizations and has taught in universities for years. Her research interests focus on electronic commerce, marketing, retailing, customer relationship management, and knowledge management. She has published articles in Computers in Human Behavior and European Retail Research.