Human Capital Dimensions Influencing Knowledge Hiding in the Public Sector: Evidence from Italy

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to investigate the influence of human capital dimensions on knowledge hiding behaviour of public sector employees. A simple random sampling technique was used, and data were collected through a survey from 336 individuals working in different companies within the Italian public sector. The results show that, in most cases, the influence of human capital dimensions on knowledge hiding behaviour was significant. Furthermore, these findings contribute to identifying and highlighting how gender also plays a significant role in the way people hide their knowledge. The work is novel in the context of investigating the factors that may influence knowledge hiding behaviour in the public sector and seeks to contribute to the development of knowledge risks strand and, more generally, to the research on knowledge management in public sector organisations. It also encourages managers to consider the potentially harmful effects of this practice.