Linkages between personality and knowledge sharing behavior in workplace: mediating role of affective states

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between broad and select narrow
\npersonality traits and knowledge sharing behavior of employees in workplace. This study especially
\ncontributes to literature of personality by uncovering the unexplored affective states in the context
\nof knowledge sharing behavior. Sample was drawn by using simple random sampling without
\nreplacement technique. To test the hypotheses, correlation, regression and bootstrap mediation
\nprocedures were applied to the sample data. Testing a sample of 274 university teachers, signifi cant
\nassociations were found between big fi ve traits, proactive personality, creative self-effi cacy,
\nand knowledge sharing behavior. Openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness,
\nextraversion, proactive personality and creative self-effi cacy were positively related to knowledge
\nsharing behavior, whereas, neuroticism was negatively related to knowledge sharing behavior in
\nworkplace. The relationship between extraversion, agreeableness and creative self-effi cacy was
\npartially mediated by positive affect and the relationship between neuroticism and knowledge
\nsharing behavior was partially mediated by negative affect. In conclusion, members of organizations,
\nat all levels, should be trained to manage their emotions and affective reactions intelligently to
\nshare knowledge effectively and gain maximum benefi ts from knowledge based assets. In addition,
\norganizational tasks must be assigned to employees with suitable narrow or broad personality traits
\nto maximize the performance level. All the sophisticated, scientifi c and technical works requiring
\nhigh level of knowledge sharing should not be assigned to neurotic workers. However, agreeable,
\nextrovert, conscientious and open individuals may handle all knowledge sharing activities effectively.
\nIt is also suggested that the works requiring scientifi c innovation and creativity could better be
\nperformed by people high in creative self-effi cacy, whereas, knowledge works requiring manual
\ndexterity like technology transfer, industry academia linkages and knowledge based networking can
\nbest be done by proactive people.