THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Knowledge sharing (KS) is often considered central to encouraging innovative work behaviour (IWB). We concentrate specifically on the relationship between KS and IWB through the mediating role of psychological empowerment (PE). A stratified sampling method was employed for three organisations operating in the services sector. We obtained 340 completed survey returns from employees. Based on a framework informed by social exchange theory (SET), structural equation modeling (SEM) was implemented to examine the research model and the mediation effect. The main finding is a significant positive relationship between KS and PE from one side and PE and IWB from the other. In addition, there is a significant relationship between KS and IWB. It is concluded that PE partially mediates the relationship between KS and IWB. We recommend that researchers and practitioners further investigate the contribution of KS to promoting PE and IWB that enhance organisational performance.