Knowledge‐sharing intention in Vietnamese organizations
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055721011071395 |
| Published date | 17 August 2010 |
| Date | 17 August 2010 |
| Pages | 262-276 |
| Author | Gowming Dong,Chau Gia Liem,Martin Grossman |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Knowledge-sharing intention in
Vietnamese organizations
Gowming Dong and Chau Gia Liem
Shu-Te University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and
Martin Grossman
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This research seeks to obtain a better understanding of the factors impacting the intent to
share knowledge within the Vietnamese organizational context. While the literature provides some
examples of cross-cultural studies involving knowledge sharing, there has been a lack of research on
emerging economies such as Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical foundation for the paper is the theory of
reasoned action (TRA), a social psychology framework that has been used extensively to explain many
types of human behavior. The research model was formulated based on the original TRA framework
as well as additional factors taken from the literature. Six variables were tested to determine their
impact on the intention to share knowledge in an organizational context. Primary data were obtained
from a survey administered to 124 employees in six multinational companies in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam.
Findings – Regression analysis shows that TRA, for the most part, has explanatory power within
the Vietnamese organizational context. All TRA constructs were found to be significant, except for
extrinsic awards and expected associations. Examination of actual survey responses revealed that
knowledge sharing is generally recognized as being a beneficial strategy in this context.
Research limitations/implications – The size and make-up of the sample were limiting factors in
this study. In spite of these limitations, the results provide insight into knowledge-sharing intent in
Vietnamese companies. Managers looking to enhance the knowledge-sharing capabilities of
Vietnamese employees will find practical implications in the study.
Originality/value – The paper provides a much needed view of the organizational environment and
knowledge-sharing culture of Vietnam, an emerging country rapidly entering into the knowledge
economy.
Keywords Knowledge management, Social psychology, Vietnam
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Knowledge is arguably the most important factor driving innovation in today’s highly
globalized economy (Grant, 1996; Stewart, 1997). Recent studies indicate that
knowledge sharing and collaboration are key enablers that need to be adopted in order
to achieve sustained competitiveness (Tapscott and Williams, 2006). In spite of this, the
notion that “knowledge is power” is still pervasive and extensive knowledge sharing
within organizations still appears to be the exception rather than the rule. Indeed, the
tendency to hoard knowledge is so strong it is often considered to be a natural human
tendency (Davenport and Prusak, 1998). Given the apparent reluctance to share
knowledge, the subject has become a key area for research in the fields of management
and organizational behavior.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
VINE
40,3/4
262
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 40 No. 3/4, 2010
pp. 262-276
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055721011071395
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