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Tacit knowledge sharing in information systems development projects: social interdependence and regulatory focus perspectives

Shin-Yuan Hung (Department of Information Management, National Chung Cheng University, Minhsiung, Taiwan)
Jacob Chia-An Tsai (Department of Information Management, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Douliou, Taiwan)
Kuanchin Chen (Department of Business Information Systems, Center for Business Analytics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA)
Charlie Chen (Department of Computer Information Systems, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA)
Ting-Ting Yeh (National Chung Cheng University, Minhsiung, Taiwan)

Information Technology & People

ISSN: 0959-3845

Article publication date: 18 May 2023

Issue publication date: 6 May 2024

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine tacit knowledge sharing within information systems development (ISD) projects by exploring the combination of social interdependence theory and regulatory focus theory (RFT).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on 198 ISD professionals to investigate the effect of social interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing. The survey data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the results were discussed.

Findings

This study reveals that team members tend to share tacit knowledge in a way characterized by cooperative interdependence, and different patterns of social interdependence have an impact on tacit knowledge sharing. The RFT explains the disparities in attitude toward tacit knowledge sharing. Specifically, individuals with a prevention-focused orientation positively moderate the impact of competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing, while those with a promotion-focused orientation have a negative moderating effect on the effect of competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing. Moreover, promotion-focused individuals negatively moderate the effect of cooperative interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

The study identifies important aspects of social interdependence in ISD projects that affect the management of tacit knowledge. Furthermore, the study shows that the influence of cooperative and competitive interdependence on tacit knowledge sharing is moderated by the regulatory focus of an individual, providing new insights into ISD knowledge management.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Dr. Jacob Chia-An Tsai would like to acknowledge the support of the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan, under Grant 111-2410-H-224-011- MY3.

Citation

Hung, S.-Y., Tsai, J.C.-A., Chen, K., Chen, C. and Yeh, T.-T. (2024), "Tacit knowledge sharing in information systems development projects: social interdependence and regulatory focus perspectives", Information Technology & People, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 1449-1477. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-08-2022-0587

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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