Personality and intention to share knowledge: An empirical study of scientists in an R&D Laboratory

A survey was used in this empirical study to explore the relationship between individuals’ personality and their intention to share knowledge. A 39-item Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality inventory (adapted from Buchanan, Johnson, & Goldberg, 2006) was used to measure individuals’ personality, and a scale of four items was used to measure individuals’ intention to share knowledge. The questionnaire was answered by 173 participants working in a high-technology laboratory. The results of statistical analysis indicated that extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness are positively related to individuals’ intention to share knowledge.