Bright and dark side of knowledge management practices in firms using information systems: examining different moderating impacts

Purpose This research aims to find out the impact of knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge hiding (KH) on employee creativity (EC) and eventually on firm innovativeness (FI). The study also investigates the moderating roles of incentive focus, preventive focus and enterprise social networking (ESN) adoption on EC and FI. Design/methodology/approach The study used an empirical research approach and created a research model using resource-based view theory and literature. The model was validated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique to analyze data from 347 respondents from Indian firms. Findings The authors found that there is a considerable moderating impact of all three moderators on EC and firms’ innovativeness. KS has a positive impact and KH has a negative impact on EC. Research limitations/implications Knowledge can be shared within a firm by using an ESN tool. KS is the brighter side of the knowledge management process, whereas KH is the darker side of it. The study presents insights into and prescriptions for the bright and dark sides of knowledge management. The study results also imply that the firm managers must try to properly integrate the knowledge acquired from various stakeholders such as institutions, customers, competitors and suppliers as well as to focus on the tacit, precious and distinctive knowledge helpful to sustain long-term relationships with the valued external sources. The study empirically validates the model with the respondents from Indian firms, and thus the proposed model cannot be generalized. Originality/value Few research studies have examined both the bright and dark sides of the knowledge management process. There is a growing interest among researchers and practitioners to explore these sides of the knowledge management process using information systems and knowledge risk. Moreover, the proposed theoretical model has a high explanative power that makes the model effective and unique.