Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons

IF 4.9 2区 管理学 Q1 MANAGEMENT
Laura Rinker, Ulrike Fasbender, Fabiola H. Gerpott, Anne Burmeister
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Knowledge exchange is crucial for organizations, but interpersonal dynamics can entail stress, affecting whether and how knowledge flows. Integrating social comparison and stress appraisal research, we propose that upward social comparison can be appraised as challenging or hindering. We suggest a dual pathway model involving an approach pathway via challenge appraisal and an avoidance pathway via hindrance appraisal with consequences on three knowledge exchange behaviours (i.e., knowledge sharing, knowledge seeking and knowledge hiding). Additionally, we examine age differences (vs. no age differences) to the comparison target as a buffer. We conducted two preregistered experimental online studies with employees (NStudy 1 = 206, NStudy 2 = 414), utilizing a 2 (social comparison; upward, lateral) × 3 (target age; younger, same‐age, older) between‐subject design. Participants received bogus task performance feedback (Study 1: cognitive ability test; Study 2: typing ability test). Both studies show that upward social comparison (but not other social comparison directions) fosters knowledge hiding via hindrance appraisal. This effect is weakened by an age difference (vs. no age difference) to the comparison target. However, our results do not support the approach pathway via challenge appraisal. Our research highlights social pitfalls in knowledge exchange and emphasizes the benefits of age differences between colleagues.
克服年龄差异带来的知识交流障碍:从压力评估的角度看向上社会比较的后果
知识交流对组织至关重要,但人际动态可能带来压力,影响知识是否流动以及如何流动。结合社会比较和压力评估研究,我们提出,向上的社会比较可以被评估为挑战性或阻碍性。我们提出了一个双途径模型,包括通过挑战评价的接近途径和通过阻碍评价的回避途径,这对三种知识交流行为(即知识共享、知识寻求和知识隐藏)产生了影响。此外,我们还研究了年龄差异(与无年龄差异)对作为缓冲的比较目标的影响。我们对员工(研究 1 = 206 人,研究 2 = 414 人)进行了两项预先注册的在线实验研究,采用了 2(社会比较;向上、横向)×3(目标年龄;年轻、同龄、年长)的受试者间设计。受试者会收到虚假的任务绩效反馈(研究 1:认知能力测试;研究 2:打字能力测试)。这两项研究都表明,向上的社会比较(而非其他社会比较方向)会通过阻碍评价促进知识隐藏。这种效应会因比较对象的年龄差异(相对于无年龄差异)而减弱。然而,我们的研究结果并不支持通过挑战评价来接近的途径。我们的研究突出了知识交流中的社会陷阱,并强调了同事间年龄差异的益处。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
8.90
自引率
4.80%
发文量
38
期刊介绍: The Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology aims to increase understanding of people and organisations at work including: - industrial, organizational, work, vocational and personnel psychology - behavioural and cognitive aspects of industrial relations - ergonomics and human factors Innovative or interdisciplinary approaches with a psychological emphasis are particularly welcome. So are papers which develop the links between occupational/organisational psychology and other areas of the discipline, such as social and cognitive psychology.
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