Factor's influencing individual's knowledge seeking behaviour in electronic knowledge repository

Abstract

Among the recent challenges faced by managers is the ability to manage knowledge sharing effectively so that knowledge can be utilized strategically for the benefit of the organization. Since knowledge sharing cannot occur without contribution of knowledge, most research so far has been devoted to the contribution aspect of knowledge sharing. However, knowledge re-use, another important goal of knowledge sharing, is unattainable if motivators and inhibitors of knowledge seeking behaviour are overlooked. This study sheds light into this underdeveloped, but critical component of knowledge management, by investigating the determinants of individual's knowledge seeking behaviour in an Electronic Knowledge Repository (EKR) based on the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB). The results from the survey conducted on 192 EKR users reveal that an intention based model provides a much clearer understanding of the latent psychological processes that influence knowledge seeking behaviour in an EKR. As posited by established IS usage theories such as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Perceived Usefulness and Seeking Effort (i.e. Perceived ease of Seeking) have appeared as the primary antecedents of attitude. In addition, Trust has emerged as an important determinant of intentions and attitude towards knowledge seeking behaviour. The unexplored concept of Information Asymmetry has been identified as a valuable inhibiting factor in context of knowledge seeking behaviour in EKR.