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Why users keep answering questions in online question answering communities: A theoretical and empirical investigation

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  • Jin, Xiao-Ling
  • Zhou, Zhongyun
  • Lee, Matthew K.O.
  • Cheung, Christy M.K.

Abstract

This study theorized and validated a model of knowledge sharing continuance in a special type of online community, the online question answering (Q&A) community, in which knowledge exchange is reflected mainly by asking and answering specific questions. We created a model that integrated knowledge sharing factors and knowledge self-efficacy into the expectation confirmation theory. The hypotheses derived from this model were empirically validated using an online survey conducted among users of a famous online Q&A community in China, “Yahoo! Answers China”. The results suggested that users’ intention to continue sharing knowledge (i.e., answering questions) was directly influenced by users’ ex-post feelings as consisting of two dimensions: satisfaction, and knowledge self-efficacy. Based on the obtained results, we also found that knowledge self-efficacy and confirmation mediated the relationship between benefits and satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin, Xiao-Ling & Zhou, Zhongyun & Lee, Matthew K.O. & Cheung, Christy M.K., 2013. "Why users keep answering questions in online question answering communities: A theoretical and empirical investigation," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 93-104.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:33:y:2013:i:1:p:93-104
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2012.07.007
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    2. Feng, Yuanyue & Yi, Zihui & Yang, Congcong & Chen, Ruoyi & Feng, Ye, 2022. "How do gamification mechanics drive solvers’ Knowledge contribution? A study of collaborative knowledge crowdsourcing," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    3. Roy, Pradeep K. & Singh, Jyoti P. & Baabdullah, Abdullah M. & Kizgin, Hatice & Rana, Nripendra P., 2018. "Identifying reputation collectors in community question answering (CQA) sites: Exploring the dark side of social media," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 25-35.
    4. Selim, Hassan & Eid, Riyad & Agag, Gomaa & Shehawy, Yasser Moustafa, 2022. "Cross-national differences in travelers’ continuance of knowledge sharing in online travel communities," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    5. Wang, Nan & Wang, Liya & Ma, Zhenzhong & Wang, Shouyang, 2022. "From knowledge seeking to knowledge contribution: A social capital perspective on knowledge sharing behaviors in online Q&A communities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    6. Shao, Zhen & Pan, Zhengyuan, 2019. "Building Guanxi network in the mobile social platform: A social capital perspective," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 109-120.

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