A study on the influencing factors of the intention to share tacit knowledge in the university research team

The aim of our study was to explore the influencing factors of the intention to share tacit knowledge in the university research team. On the basis of related literature review, combing with the Theory of Planned Behavior, we proposed a research model about the intention to share tacit knowledge in the university research team. After the completion of questionnaire, we surveyed of 202 researchers from the university research teams of Chinese mainland, and examined the research model by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and then revised theoretical model. We found that, in the university research team, personal feature (need satisfaction, sense of honor and altruism), internal mechanism (interpersonal trust, team cohesion and authorized leadership), and support framework (resources adequacy and self-efficacy) significantly contributed to the intention to share tacit knowledge, however, heterogeneity significantly had a negative effect on the intention to share tacit knowledge. Finally, we provided some useful strategies and suggestions for university managers and team leaders to enhance the intention to share tacit knowledge of university research team. © 2010 ACADEMY PUBLISHER.