Knowledge Sharing in the Workplace: A Social Networking Site Assessment

Abstract

Enterprise executives are taking note that great potential exists for enhancing knowledge sharing and linking experts within the organization when incorporating social software technologies into their operations. But there are warnings of potential negative effects if ineffective use or even misuse of these technologies occurs. There is relatively little empirical research examining the business impact of social software implementations evolving from Web 2.0 applications when considering the effects of trust on knowledge sharing. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the research by proposing a theoretical framework to study the effects of trust, risk and benefits, critical mass, and social influence on knowledge sharing intentions of employees using social media technology in the organization.