Incorporating counterproductive knowledge behaviour in the higher education context: proposing the potential remedies in explaining the faculty members’ performance

Purpose This study aims to seek to understand counterproductive knowledge behaviour (CKB) in higher education institutions (HEIs) by integrating knowledge hiding (KHi) and lack of knowledge sharing (LKS). Design/methodology/approach The current research uses a hybrid conceptual review combining the bibliometric study and conceptual review of 47 articles. The bibliometric analysis aimed to identify research maps, and the conceptual review sought to understand the current development of research fields. Findings The bibliometric analysis highlights essential summaries, such as the pioneering authors, seminal papers and conceptual maps. However, knowledge hoarding as a dimension of LKS appears in the niche theme. The conceptual analysis indicates three groups of factors contributing to KHi and LKS. Moreover, the study highlights the causal relation between both KHi as well as LKS and faculty member performance while proposing remedies derived from integrating the social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resource (COR) theory. Research limitations/implications The present study provides an integrated image of KHi and LKS in the HEI context, as well as its potential remedies by integrating SET and COR. The basis of this study is a literature review; thus, future studies are recommended to empirically explore the integration of KHi and LKS within the HEI context. Practical implications This research provides an overview for HEI policymakers to re-examine the critical role of institutional research as one of the considerations for evaluating and developing policies. Specifically, policymakers can reflect on all policy directions to determine whether there are any symptoms of CKB in the institutions. Moreover, stakeholders can find out the reason behind the non-optimal performance of faculty members regarding CKB and any mitigating factors. Originality/value Understanding CKB is crucial in managing HEI. This research provides a comprehensive image of KHi and LKS within HEI, especially in a collectivist culture.