Strengths use support and knowledge sharing: mediating roles of work engagement and knowledge self-efficacy

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of perceived supervisor support (PSS) for strengths use on knowledge sharing (KS) intentions, mediated through work engagement and knowledge self-efficacy, based on the job demand-resources theory and the broaden and build theory. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling and bootstrap analyses were performed to examine the research model using data derived from a two-wave questionnaire survey of 162 employees from five health-care organizations. Findings The results indicate that PSS for strengths use promoted KS intentions fully mediated through work engagement and subsequently through knowledge self-efficacy. However, there was no direct relationship between PSS for strengths use and KS intention. Originality/value The contribution of this research to the literature on KS is to find the effectiveness of a strengths-based approach in promoting KS intentions across boundaries and identifying mediating factors that link PSS for strengths use to KS intentions.