The impact of (low) trust on knowledge sharing

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the differences in the level of knowledge sharing between co-workers in high versus low trust situations, for cognition-based trust and for affect-based trust as well as implicit and explicit knowledge. Design/methodology/approach The differences were examined through data provided by 102 professionals working for a financial organization in The Netherlands. Findings The differences in the level of knowledge sharing in high versus low trust situations are significant. The effect is larger for affect-based trust and for implicit knowledge. Research limitations/implications The survey has been conducted within one organization only. Practical implications Organizations should realize the importance of trust between their co-workers, and in general, there is much to gain by increasing the levels of trust between co-workers, as this will also increase knowledge sharing between co-workers. Originality/value Previous studies have not examined the situation of low trust and its effect on the level of knowledge sharing within a homogeneous group of co-workers.