Exploring the effects of task characteristics on knowledge sharing in libraries
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge sharing intention and group identity are the keys to improving library service quality. The purpose of this paper is to integrate work design questionnaire and affective events theory to understand the relationship between task characteristics and knowledge sharing quality in the context of the library.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collected from 204 professional librarians in various libraries provide strong support for the proposed research model. A structural equation modelling analysis was performed using LISREL. The adequacy of the measurement model was evaluated on the criteria of reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity.
Findings
The paper shows that sharing intention and group identity have important effects on knowledge quality. Task characteristics, such as work methods, task variety and social feedback, have strong effects on group identity.
Research limitations/implications
The findings imply that only work methods and social feedback have strong effects on knowledge sharing intention.
Originality/value
The motivation to share librarians' knowledge is critical to successful library service. The paper provides evidence that knowledge quality is built through work methods, task variety and social feedback. Implications for theory and practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Keywords
Citation
Liu, K., Chang, C. and Hu, I. (2010), "Exploring the effects of task characteristics on knowledge sharing in libraries", Library Review, Vol. 59 No. 6, pp. 455-468. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531011053968
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited