Would You Share? Examining How Knowledge Type and Communication Channel Influence Knowledge Sharing

Due to recent advances in computer-mediated communication technologies, individuals are able to communicate through a variety of channels to exchange knowledge. This paper extends prior research to include a comparison of knowledge exchange through face-to-face and computer-mediated communication environments (e-mail, electronic community, and electronic knowledge repository) for different knowledge types (computer program and expertise). Using social exchange theory, hypotheses are proposed based on the degree of an individual’s expectations of reciprocity and how this influences an individual’s knowledge sharing decision. Using vignettes adapted from prior empirical research, this study determines whether individuals adjust their knowledge sharing behaviors based on the different types of knowledge and the communication channel used. Results suggest that electronic knowledge repository and face-to-face are the preferred environments for sharing expertise and electronic knowledge repositories are preferred for sharing a computer program