Conference Paper Sharing Among Academicians: Calculative and Normative Aspects of Rational Choice

Abstract

Based on rational choice theory, which describes an individual as a rational decision maker, we make one of the first attempts to explore the underlying motivational processes involved in on-line conference paper sharing among academicians unknown to each other. A questionnaire-based scenario study conducted on 530 management conference presenters supported the hypothesis that the decision to share a conference paper is both a calculative and normative choice. Analysis demonstrated that academicians calculate the benefits and costs of sharing within the context of dyadic exchanges, but they also follow the social norms of sharing, thereby recognizing the context of generalized exchange. In particular, academicians have more intent to share when they perceive the more general benefits of sharing and the stronger social norms of the academic community that encourage sharing. They have less intent to share when the paper type is conceptual. A subsequent examination of actual sharing behavior for two of the four initial experimental conditions generally supported our findings. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

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