Knowledge hoarding: A literature review

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to present a framework on the construct, knowledge hoarding by investigating and distinguishing it from related concepts such as knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding.Furthermore, it aims to strengthen our understanding of knowledge hoarding by defining the construct in detail while seeking answers to why employees hoard their knowledge.The present study contains a discussion of related research on knowledge hoarding and its implications for organizations, managers and employees.By integrating research from the fields of knowledge management, human resources management and organizational behavior, this paper attempts to clarify a number of issues about this concept and aims to offer a factual report on what research has to say about it.Knowledge is not an individual, but an organizational asset.In today's business environment, hoarding knowledge erodes one's power rather than constituting a source of power.In order to remain competitive in the future, organizations will need to abandon their ideas of information hoarding and embrace knowledge management.Downsizing in organizations and the potential loss of employment due to the global economic crisis alerts the managers to be sensitive to the reasons why the individuals avoid sharing their knowledge.The managerial level should attempt to break the hoarding cycle and create new models for interaction and knowledge sharing.It is important to examine why some employees would sometimes prefer to keep knowledge to themselves.Thus, the present study seeks an answer to that area of under-investigated research.

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