Uncovering the gap between intention and behaviour towards knowledge sharing: Evidence from a hybrid healthcare institution

This study set out to test an integrative model towards knowledge sharing (KS) practices in health institutions, which have recently been referred to as knowledge-intensive organisations. The model assesses the relative contributions of various organisational and relational factors in explaining knowledge sharing intention (KSI), as well as the moderating effects of both socio-cognitive factors and the nature of knowledge to be shared on the relationship between KSI and knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB). The data utilised in the research were obtained from a health institution designed as a public-private partnership through the survey questionnaires. Findings suggest that highly formalised and hierarchical organisational structures negatively affect KSI, whereas constructive communication climate and organisational integration enhance it. The relationship between facilitating tools and technologies, which is the last of the organisational factors examined, and KSI was non-significant. Two out of the three relational factors, trust and affiliation, positively predicted KSI, but no statistically significant relationship was found between normative beliefs and KSI. Finally, the results suggest that the perceived reciprocity eases the translation of the intention towards KS into actual sharing behaviour, whereas the perceived power loss weakens the mentioned relationship.