The hidden motive of knowledge sharing and the resultant outcome

Drawing on costly signaling theory, this study explores the hidden motive about why people voluntarily share their tacit knowledge with others and the resultant outcome. More specifically, we theoretically and empirically show how the need for status facilitates knowledge sharing behavior and this knowledge sharing behavior ultimately leads to increased supervisor ratings. Furthermore, we examine the moderating roles of task visibility and task significance as critical boundary conditions in the motive and behavior relationship. We test our hypotheses based on moderated mediation model using a sample of 146 usable supervisor and subordinate dyads in Korea. The results showed that all hypotheses were supported. Theoretical and empirical implications are also discussed.