Unpacking the Influence of Clan Culture on Knowledge Sharing in Small and Medium Enterprises: Antecedents and Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: Knowledge has emerged as one of the most valuable assets for organizations in recent times. Sharing of such knowledge promotes organizational performance. Drawing on the knowledge-based view theory, this study investigates the antecedents of Knowledge Sharing (KS) on Employee Performance among technology related SMEs, and Clan Culture is used as a moderator in the current study.  Design/ Methodology/Approach: Data were gathered from Pakistan through snowball sampling, focusing on professionals employed in the Information Technology based SMEs. A total of 451 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS and smart PLS. Findings: The findings reveal a significant positive relation of all the KS antecedents (Motivation, Self-efficacy, Interpersonal Trust) with KS, and KS has a significant positive relation with Employee Performance. Additionally, Clan Culture moderates the relationship between Motivation and KS, Self-efficacy and KS and Interpersonal Trust and KS respectively. Originality/Value: The novelty of this study is in its comprehensive model, which integrates all the crucial KS antecedents of KS at one place, which previously remain un-tested in totality. Furthermore, the introduction of Clan Culture as a moderator adds fresh insights to the literature. Additionally, the hi-tech sector SMEs like IT based SMEs in Pakistan, are under-researched, thereby filling such gap.

Keywords: Knowledge Sharing Antecedents (Motivation, Self-efficacy, Interpersonal Trust), Knowledge Sharing, Employee Performance, Clan Culture, Hi-tech SMEs, KBV Theory.