Double-edged sword of perceived mastery climate on evasive knowledge hiding: the mediating roles of perceived status and perceived social support

PurposeWhether employees always disengage from knowledge hiding in a mastery climate is not answered well. This study aims to examine the paradoxical effects of perceived mastery climate (PMC) on evasive knowledge hiding (EKH).Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected from 148 full-time employees at two-time points.FindingsPMC exerts a positive effect on EKH via perceived status (PS) in organization but also has a negative effect on it via perceived social support. Perceived procedural justice attenuates the positive effect of PS on EKH.Practical implicationsManagers need to notice the paradoxical effects of PMC and keep procedural justice to reduce the positive effect of mastery climate on knowledge hiding.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by investigating two opposite influencing mechanisms of mastery climate, and the moderating effects of perceived procedural justice.