Ability-based emotional intelligence and knowledge sharing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test the direct effects of emotional intelligence and trust in co-workers on knowledge sharing. Further, it aims to examine the moderating effect of trust in co-workers on the emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 121 employees working with 13 different service sector organizations in the northern region of India. The data were tested for validity and reliability. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicated that both emotional intelligence and trust in co-workers had significant direct effects on knowledge sharing of organizational members. However, trust in co-workers did not moderate emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship. Research limitations/implications The limitations include the sample and cross-sectional design. Hence, future studies can be conducted using a longitudinal design covering other regions of India to increase the generalizability of findings. Practical implications The findings suggest that management should develop appropriate strategies for meliorating emotional intelligence level of employees because people with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to engage themselves in knowledge sharing. Additionally, organizations should adopt a culture that promotes trust among its members, thereby fostering knowledge sharing in organizations. Originality/value There is limited literature on the role of emotions in knowledge sharing. The study adds to the extant literature on emotional intelligence and knowledge sharing in the context of India. Besides, the study attempted to investigate the interaction effect of trust in co-workers on emotional intelligence-knowledge sharing relationship that has not been studied so far.