The influence of sociotechnological mechanisms on individual motivation toward knowledge contribution in problem-solving virtual communities

Jie Yu, Zhenhui Jiang, Hock Chuan Chan

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Knowledge contribution in virtual communities is an important issue in the field of knowledge management. Based on Ames's theoretical framework on motivation, we propose a model for knowledge contribution in problem-solving virtual communities (PSVCs). The model includes two second-order individual motivations, with four major mechanisms in PSVCs that are associated with these motivations. Results confirm that only egoistic motives affect members' knowledge contribution in PSVCs. Further, knowledge repository and social identity are found to be important mechanisms for promoting knowledge contribution through egoistic motives. This paper concludes with theoretical and practical implications and provides insights for future research.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5772086
Pages (from-to)152-167
Number of pages16
JournalIEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • Expectancy-value theory
  • functional approach
  • mechanisms of virtual community
  • problem-solving virtual community (PSVC)
  • second-order factor model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication
  • Industrial relations
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Linguistics and Language

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