Understanding Users’ Continuance Intention to Answer Questions in Online Question Answering Communities

This study develops a research model to investigate the antecedents of users’ continuance intention to answer questions in online question answering (Q&A) communities based on the literature of knowledge contribution and behavioral continuance. The research model is tested by using the data collected from 241 users of a famous online Q&A community in China (i.e., “Yahoo! Answers China”). The results indicate that satisfaction is the key determinant of continuance intention to answer questions. Satisfaction is, in turn, influenced by reputation enhancement, enjoyment in helping others and advancement of the online community. This study has implications for both theory and practice on the management and design of online Q&A communities.