Knowledge Sharing and Individuals’ Work Performance: A Virtuous Spiral

Abstract

The research on knowledge management, specifically on knowledge sharing, finds that the efficient use of knowledge in organizations has an influence on a variety of organizational indicators. This paper explores the relation between knowledge sharing and individuals’ work performance. We conduct a survey of 309 employees from different firms. The responses show that knowledge sharing has a positive relation with individuals’ work performance and with HR practices. On the other hand, the responses indicate that the performance appraisal and the work design could have a significant effect on the virtuous spiral of the adoption of knowledge sharing. Further, these findings indicate that knowledge is highly valued by employees.