The relationship of relational social capital, tacit knowledge sharing and individual job performance in the Vietnamese aviation industry

The primary body of organisational knowledge is tacit knowledge, and it is the basis for both an organisation's and an individual's capacity for creativity. This study develops a theoretical model using social exchange theory (SET) to examine how social capital in relationships is related, including reciprocity, trust, commitment, tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) and individual job performance in the aviation industry of Vietnam. The research implemented a questionnaire method to collect data from 389 participants applying quota and snowball data collection techniques who are flight attendants working in aviation companies based in Ho Chi Minh City. Data analysis uses structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. The findings reveal that all three components of relational social capital, including reciprocity, trust and commitment, have impacted positively on TKS. In addition, TKS is found to influence positively individual job performance. This study offers recommendations to managers in the aviation industry regarding how to stimulate TKS and enhance flight attendants' job performance.