A study of indicators of willingness in the knowledge transfer process
YingFei Héliot
School of Management, Faculty of Management and Law, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
Michael Riley
School of Management, Faculty of Management and Law
University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
PP: 399 - 410
Abstract
The literature on knowledge transfer is confident in its assertion that a 'stickiness' pervades knowledge disclosure process. This phenomenon is often attributed to structural communication barriers but an equally valid explanation could stem from the individual feeling a sense of ownership of their knowledge which then engenders a reluctance to be open about their knowledge within a formal knowledge transfer process.
We pursue this idea theoretically through notions of possessiveness and psychological ownership; and empirically by exploring the concept of willingness to disclose. Assuming willingness to be unidimensional a methodology is put forward that uses indicators to measures its direction. Using a sample of 1050 UK engineers we illustrate the direction of willingness on a reluctance-willing dimension.
We argue that knowledge transfer requires management to examine more closely the stimuli that affect the process.
Keywords
willingness; knowledge; psychological ownership; possessiveness; engineers; knowledge transfer
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