Tacit knowledge sharing, self-efficacy theory, and application to the Open Source community

• Published in: Journal of knowledge management Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 92 - 103
• Main Authors: Lee Endres, Megan, Endres, Steven P, Chowdhury, Sanjib K, Alam, Intakhab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kempston Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2007
• Subjects: Bridges (structures); Communities; Competitive advantage; Computer programs; Explicit knowledge; Feedback; Freeware; Knowledge management; Knowledge sharing; Motivation; Open source software; Open systems; Organization theory; Product development; Public domain; Public domain software; Self-efficacy; Socialization; Software; Source code; Streams; Studies; Tacit knowledge; Knowledge sharing; Knowledge management; Public domain software; Open systems
• ISSN: 1367-3270; 1758-7484
• DOI: 10.1108/13673270710752135

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to apply the self-efficacy model to compare knowledge-sharing activities in the Open Source community versus those in a traditional organization.Design methodology approach - Current literature on tacit knowledge sharing and information about the Open Source community is synthesized in the study with research concerning self-efficacy formation. The knowledge-sharing literature is applied in the paper to the self-efficacy model.Findings - Through a synthesis of different streams of literature, the paper concludes that the self-efficacy model serves as a useful framework for better understanding the effects of context on tacit knowledge sharing. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Open Source community may provide an ideal set of subjects to whom the model can be applied.Research limitations implications - Only propositions are offered, and the conclusions are suggestions for future research. The self-efficacy model has been successfully applied to other areas of research in early stages (e.g. entrepreneurship) and provides a valid, tangible framework that allows many research possibilities.Practical implications - The self-efficacy model is practical and usable in a real-world situation. A software manager (or other manager) can easily look at the inputs and outcomes of the model and see where he she could positively affect tacit knowledge sharing.Originality value - This paper takes a highly valid and respected model and applies it to individual tacit knowledge sharing, a field in which little cross-discipline work is done. This paper bridges a central organizational behavior psychological theory with knowledge management research.