Why Share Knowledge? The Influence of ICT on the Motivation for Knowledge Sharing

Information and communication technology (ICT) can enhance knowledge sharing by lowering temporal and spatial barriers between knowledge workers, and improving access to information about knowledge. Looking at ICT for knowledge sharing in this light, however, has limited value, because it ignores when and how the quality of knowledge sharing will be enhanced. A more encompassing perspective will come about if ICT is studied with relation to the motivation for knowledge sharing. The article explores this perspective by developing a theoretical model identifying and linking the variables involved. By presenting the outcomes of an empirical investigation, it also illustrates the differential effects of ICT on the motivation for knowledge sharing in different settings. Copyright ? 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Cornwallis Emmanuel Ltd.