The influence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on individuals' knowledge sharing behavior

• Published in: International journal of human-computer studies Vol. 69; no. 6; pp. 415 - 427
• Main Authors: Hung, Shin-Yuan, Durcikova, Alexandra, Lai, Hui-Min, Lin, Wan-Mei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Exact sciences and technology; Experimental study; Extrinsic motivation; Information systems. Data bases; Intrinsic motivation; Knowledge management systems; Knowledge sharing; Memory organisation. Data processing; Software; Knowledge sharing; Intrinsic motivation; Experimental study; Extrinsic motivation; Knowledge management systems; Knowledge engineering; Knowledge management systems: Experimental study; Motivation; User interface; Altruism; Reward; Economic sciences; Creativity; Knowledge transfer
• ISSN: 1071-5819; 1095-9300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2011.02.004

A major challenge in knowledge management involves motivating people to share knowledge with others. The objective of this study is to deepen our understanding of how to influence an individual's tendency to engage in knowledge sharing behavior in a team setting. Specifically, we investigate the effects of intrinsic motivation (altruism) and extrinsic motivation (economic reward, reputation feedback and reciprocity) on knowledge sharing (number of ideas generated, idea usefulness, idea creativity and meeting satisfaction) in a group meeting. Results of our experiment show that a knowledge management system with built-in reputation feedback is crucial to support successful knowledge sharing.