KNOWLEDGE SHARING BEHAVIOUR AMONG NURSING SUPERVISORS IN ONLINE HEALTHCARE COMMUNITIES IN JORDAN

Abstract

The main objectives of this study are, firstly, to identify the individual factors affecting knowledge sharing behaviour among nursing supervisors in online healthcare communites and secondly, to assess the moderating effect of knowledge self-efficacy on the relationship between individual factors and knowledge sharing behaviour among nursing supervisors in online healthcare communities in Jordan. This study was mainly underpinned by the Social Exchange Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. In order to achieve the study’s objectives, a quantitative study method was mainly used, where a total of 337 questionnaires were distributed to the nursing supervisors in private hospitals in Jordan, in the form of self-administrated surveys. A total of 295 questionnaires were returned, of which, 283 questionnaires completed by participants were usable, indicating a response rate of 84% percent. Structural Equation Modelling was applied using Smart PLS for data analysis. The results show that all independent variables including trust, reciprocity, reputation and ability to share on knowledge sharing behaviour explains 62.7% of knowledge sharing behavior of nursing supervisors in online healthcare communities. Secondly, knowledge self-efficacy acts as moderator between trust, reciprocity and reputation and knowledge sharing behavior. However, knowledge self-efficacy does not moderate the relationship between knowledge self-efficacy and knowledge sharing behaviour. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by conceptualizing a research model, which reflects the moderating role of knowledge self-efficacy on the relationship between trust, reciprocity and reputation and knowledge sharing behavior among nursing supervisors in online healthcare communities. Moreover, this study provides guidelines for nursing supervisors in order to improve knowledge sharing behaviour in online healthcare communities in private hospitals in Jordan. The findings of this study offer a basis for further research of knowledge sharing in the context of healthcare sector.