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Why do people seek knowledge? Tracing factors that affect knowledge seeking intention

Why do people seek knowledge? Tracing factors that affect knowledge seeking intention The purpose of this study is to understand factors that motivate an individual to seek knowledge on knowledge management systems. Specifically, the work seeks to clarify the impact of organizational practices on an individual’s intention to seek knowledge. The overarching theme is to broaden the current understanding of factors that impact individual knowledge seeking behavior and narrow down factors for which interventions can be developed.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with the members of knowledge management (KM), human resources (HR) and learning and development teams of Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited (RBEI) to understand knowledge behaviors of employees. Subsequent to an exploratory analysis, the survey methodology was used to collect data from members of RBEI. A proposed theoretical model was then validated using partial least squares.FindingsEmpirical findings suggest that to motivate participation, organizational KM practices need to be geared towards promoting curiosity and engaging learners. Results indicate that overt recognition of knowledge seeking behaviors by HR could be counterproductive.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to an MNC engineering organization in one geographic location; one must be cautious when generalizing these results. Replicating this study in multiple organizations will help mitigate this limitation.Originality/valueLittle is known on the effect of KM and HR practices on knowledge seeking behaviors. This work addresses this gap and presents a comprehensive model. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems Emerald Publishing

Why do people seek knowledge? Tracing factors that affect knowledge seeking intention

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2059-5891
DOI
10.1108/vjikms-04-2019-0059
Publisher site
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand factors that motivate an individual to seek knowledge on knowledge management systems. Specifically, the work seeks to clarify the impact of organizational practices on an individual’s intention to seek knowledge. The overarching theme is to broaden the current understanding of factors that impact individual knowledge seeking behavior and narrow down factors for which interventions can be developed.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with the members of knowledge management (KM), human resources (HR) and learning and development teams of Robert Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited (RBEI) to understand knowledge behaviors of employees. Subsequent to an exploratory analysis, the survey methodology was used to collect data from members of RBEI. A proposed theoretical model was then validated using partial least squares.FindingsEmpirical findings suggest that to motivate participation, organizational KM practices need to be geared towards promoting curiosity and engaging learners. Results indicate that overt recognition of knowledge seeking behaviors by HR could be counterproductive.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to an MNC engineering organization in one geographic location; one must be cautious when generalizing these results. Replicating this study in multiple organizations will help mitigate this limitation.Originality/valueLittle is known on the effect of KM and HR practices on knowledge seeking behaviors. This work addresses this gap and presents a comprehensive model.

Journal

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems – Emerald Publishing

Published: Apr 7, 2020

Keywords: Knowledge seeking; Knowledge sharing; Knowledge management systems; IT adoption

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