An empirical investigation of knowledge contribution within electronic networks of practice

1. Why share?
An empirical investigation of knowledge contribution
within electronic networks of practice
Rob Draaijer

2. “The single greatest challenge … is to
raise the productivity of knowledge and
service works” Peter F. Drucker (1991)

3. Electronic
networks of practice

5. Knowledge sharing
is a social dilemma
If everyone acts rational,
nobody would
share knowledge

6. reasons and barriers for
What are the
individuals to contribute knowledge
to electronic networks of
practice?

8. Social exchange theory: people
balancecosts and
benefits of
behavior

10. Evaluation
aprehension

11. Enjoyment
in helping others

13. Connective
efficacy

15. Anticipated
reciprocal
relationships

16. Reputation

17. Social
influence

19. Instrument validity
Conceptual validation (n=7)
Pre-test (n=10)
Pilot study (n=38)
Full-scale survey (n=249)

20. Network of professionals:
Communication
& change
46,5% response (N=249)

21. PLS allows
validity
testing for
and causality using a
single analysis

22. significance at:
t
p=0,1
* p=0,05
Results **
***
p=0,01
p=0,001

23. Reciprocators
Free riders
Cooperators

24. Information systems implications
 Virtual copresence,
self-presentation and
deep profiling
 Feedback mechanism
 Search Technology

25. Organizational implications
Strong leadership
Ensure critical mass
Training
Offline meetings

26. Contributions
Theoretical model
developed and empirically
tested
New relationships tested
High response rate

27. Questions