Employee Knowledge Sharing Behaviour: the Role of Workplace Cyber Incivility and Personality Traits

Abstract

Knowledge sharing behaviour can achieve a greater level of innovation and creativity. Employees victimized with computer-mediated workplace incivility may hinder knowledge with rational justifications. The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of workplace cyber incivility on knowledge sharing behaviour. Additionally, this study identifies the mediating effect of personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness to experience) and the relationship between them. This study is predominantly designed as a quantitative study based on the positivistic paradigm. Data were obtained from an online self-administered questionnaire from permanent employees in software development organizations in Sri Lanka and 251 responses were analysed using correlation and SEM bootstrapping. The findings of the study demonstrated a negative association between cyber incivility and KSB (r = - 467) consistent with previous studies; KSB was positively associated with extraversion (r = 0.937), agreeableness (r = 219), conscientiousness (r = 219), neuroticism (r = 228), openness (r = 243). Succinctly, this study draws attention towards the workplace cyber incivility victims who may negatively respond to knowledge sharing behaviour, creating hostile work environments. The theory of trait activation can be used to explain the individual differences of said relationship. We have also proposed partial mediation of personality traits (extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness) on workplace cyber incivility and knowledge sharing behaviour. The findings of the study have several theoretical and practical implications. It advocates the necessity to address workplace cyber incivility to ensure employee knowledge sharing behaviour.