Knowledge sharing behavior in online discussion communities: Examining behavior motivation from social and individual perspectives

Abstract

Background Prior research has advanced several reasons, using various perspectives, to explain user participation in online discussion communities. Nonetheless, relatively few studies have explored personal and social factors together in the same study to explain knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors in online discussion communities; additionally, relatively few studies have examined the outcomes of these behaviors. Research question Using social identity and personal motivation theories, this study examines the following research questions. First, how do social identity and extrinsic and intrinsic motivations influence knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors in online discussion communities? Second, how do knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors affect satisfaction with a community? Methodology To address these two research questions, we collected data from 144 users from two online communities and analyze the data using seemingly unrelated regression. Results The results indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic motivations have different impacts on knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors. Only one of the dimensions of social identity, affective social identity, has a significant impact on knowledge seeking and sharing behaviors. Conclusions Knowledge sharing and seeking behaviors are not driven by the same personal motivations. We discuss practical implications on online discussion communities, including insights into motivations, behaviors, and outcomes.

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