Impact of linguistic ostracism on knowledge sharing, hiding and hoarding and the moderating role of cultural intelligence

PurposeDrawing on the theory of belongingness, this study scrutinizes the impact of linguistic ostracism on knowledge sharing, knowledge hiding and knowledge hoarding and the moderating role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in a diverse and multi-cultural work setting.Design/methodology/approachA two-phase sampling of judgmental and random sampling techniques was used to recruit local and foreign workers in the Jordanian service industry. The present study empirically analyzes the sample of 394 employees' responses by applying variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM).FindingsVB-SEM results indicate that linguistic ostracism lessens knowledge sharing behavior and heightens knowledge hiding and hoarding. CQ moderates two of the said associations, specifically by buffering the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge hiding, as well as linguistic ostracism and knowledge hoarding. Consequently, CQ did not moderate the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge sharing.Practical implicationsThe study's findings can help managers and decision-makers in such workplaces better understand the deleterious effects of linguistic ostracism and how CQ functions as a buffer. The study concludes with theoretical and managerial implications.Originality/valueVery few investigations have been conducted to determine the consequences of linguistic ostracism in today's multi-cultural and diverse work environment. This paper is among the first to unveil the association of linguistic ostracism and CQ with various knowledge management (KM) concepts.

Cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding: Does interactional justice matter?

Purpose The current explanations in the cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding literature suffer from two problems. The first is a lack of cogent explanation of cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding from social exchange theory (SET) perspective. The second is the unexplained attenuating propensity of justice on the connection between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding, more specifically, interactional justice. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a simple random sampling method to obtain cross-sectional data from 223 employees working in IT and telecommunication service companies in Jordan. The obtained data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique also known as variance-based structural equation modeling. Findings By applying SET theoretical lens and PLS-SEM, the authors show that cyber incivility exerts strong impact on knowledge hoarding, and interactional justice may not always function as a buffer. That is, the association between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding is not impacted by interactional justice levels. Originality/value The contribution of this paper builds on the lack of practical comprehension on the association between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding and the role played by interactional justice. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Impact of workplace ostracism on knowledge hoarding: mediating role of defensive silence and moderating role of experiential avoidance

The purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanism through which knowledge hoarding is triggered among ostracized employees at workplace. Drawing on conservation of resource theory, the study investigates the mediating role of defensive silence in this relationship. Further, the study also examines the moderating role of experiential avoidance between workplace ostracism and defensive silence. Using multi-layered and convenient sampling technique, data were collected from 225 employees working in the hospitality industry in Pakistan. The results revealed that workplace ostracism significantly influences employees’ knowledge hoarding behavior both directly and through defensive silence. Furthermore, contrary to the expectation, the combined effect of workplace ostracism and experiential avoidance on defensive silence was found insignificant, which we have discussed. The study provides insights for managers to break the knowledge hoarding cycle and create new models for interaction and knowledge sharing among employees at workplace.

The rhetoric of “knowledge hoarding”: a research-based critique

Purpose This paper responds to a recent trend towards reifying “knowledge hoarding” for purposes of quantitative/deductive research, via a study of information technology (IT) service professionals. A “rhetorical theory” lens is applied to reconsider “knowledge hoarding” as a value-laden rhetoric that directs managers towards addressing assumed worker dysfunctionality. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study of practicing IT service professionals (assumed within IT service management “best practice” to be inclined to hoard knowledge) was conducted over a 34-day period. Twenty workers were closely observed processing IT service incidents, and 26 workers were interviewed about knowledge-sharing practices. Findings The study found that IT service practice is characterized more by pro-social collegiality in sharing knowledge/know-how than by self-interested strategic knowledge concealment. Research limitations/implications The study concerns a single occupational context. The study indicates that deductive research that reifies “knowledge hoarding” as a naturally occurring phenomenon is flawed, with clear implications for future research. Practical implications The study suggests that management concern for productivity might be redirected away from addressing assumed knowledge-hoarding behaviour and towards encouraging knowledge sharing via social interaction in the workplace. Originality/value Previous studies have not directly examined the concept of knowledge hoarding using qualitative methods, nor have they considered it as a rhetorical device.