CHAPTER: 2
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Research on knowledge sharing has drawn upon a wide range of theories (Wang
& Noe, 2010). The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Social Exchange Theory (SET), and
Social Capital and Network Theories are the most commonly used theoretical perspectives used
to study knowledge sharing (Wang & Noe, 2010). The proposed work draws its roots from the
same.
The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) assumes intention as the main predictor of
behavior. It suggests that behavioral intentions could drive individual behavior; and intentions
could be determined by attitudes and subjective norms (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). Attitudes
towards an action are defined as an individual‘s belief about an outcome of the behavior and
judgment of consequences resulting from the behavior (Huang, Davison, & Gu, 2008).
Subjective norm is defined as an individual‘s perception about how people important to him/her
judge the behavior. It could also be influenced by normative beliefs, such as perceived pressures
and the motivation to comply (Huang, Davison & Gu, 2008). The TRA has been widely used in
social psychology research to explain many kinds of people‘s behavior. It has also been used in
knowledge management research (Bock & Kim, 2002) and to investigate knowledge sharing
behaviors (Bock & Kim, 2002; Huang, Davison, & Gu, 2008).
Figure 2.1 Graphical representation of TRA (Adapted from Stroebe, 2000)
On the other hand, social exchange theory (Blau, 1964) is a commonly used
theoretical base for investigating individual knowledge-sharing behavior. Knowledge sharing is a
social exchange process between individuals to individuals, individuals to organizations, and
organizations to organizations (Islam, Ahmad & Mahtab, 2010). Individuals regulate their
interaction with other individuals based on a self-interest analysis of the costs and benefits of
such an interaction (Liang, Liu & Wu, 2008). People seek to maximize their benefits and
minimize their costs when exchanging resources with others (Liang, Liu & Wu, 2008). In order
to maximize the resources gained, individuals may build social relationships with others by
sharing their knowledge. The basic concepts addressed in social exchange theory are cost,
benefit, outcome, comparison level, satisfaction, and dependence.
Apart from the above, various other theories have also been used in knowledge
sharing research under different perspectives (Wang & Noe, 2010). Some of those are mentioned
in Table 2.1 as,
Table 2.1: Theories referred to study knowledge sharing behavior
Theories
Expectancy disconfirmation theory (EDT)
Agency theory
Interdependence theory
Social cognitive theory
Theory of information sharing
Theory of planned action
Framework for organizational effectiveness
Resource-based view of the firm
Innovation diffusion theory
Classification of trust
Economic exchange theory
Author and Year
Oliver, 1980
Reichelstein, 1992
Kelley & Thibaut, 1978; Pee, Kankanhalli &
Kim, 2010
Stajkovic & Luthans, 1998; Bock & Kim,
2002
Constant et al., 1994
Ajzen, 1985; Ajzen, 1991; Jewels & Ford,
2006
Quinn & Rohrbaugh, 1981
Chatterjee, 1986; Chatterjee & Wernerfelt,
1991; Bergh, 1995
Rogers, 1983
McAllister, 1995
Kelley & Thibout, 1978; Constant et al.,
1994; Bock & Kim, 2002