Intention to Knowledge Sharing: From Planned Behavior and Psychological Needs Perspectives

Intention to knowledge sharing is a growing concern that has been largely discussed in extant literature using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB). However, the studies have mostly neglected the influence of individual psychological needs of knowledge workers on intention to share knowledge. Combining the TPB with McClelland’s three psychological needs approach, the study aims at uncovering such influence on intention to knowledge sharing. Survey data collected from 123 Information Technology (IT) based knowledge workers in Sri Lanka are analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. It was found that attitudes toward knowledge sharing behavior, subjective norms, and need for affiliation are influential in determining knowledge sharing intentions of knowledge workers. Moreover, the findings suggest the need for careful consideration of individual psychological needs of knowledge workers in understanding their intentions toward knowledge sharing. Intention to Knowledge Sharing: From Planned Behavior and Psychological Needs Perspectives