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Examining micro-level knowledge sharing discussions in online communities

Author

Listed:
  • G. Alan Wang

    (Virginia Tech)

  • Xiaomo Liu

    (3 Time Square)

  • Jianling Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Min Zhang

    (Tianjin University)

  • Weiguo Fan

    (Virginia Tech)

Abstract

Online communities of practice have become a popular knowledge source for both individuals and organizations. It is important to understand how to facilitate virtual knowledge sharing in online communities. Existing studies generally focus on system design factors or motivations behind knowledge sharing behavior. In this study we aim to investigate the knowledge sharing processes in online communities and identify process patterns that are indicative of effective knowledge sharing processes. We propose a computational framework to examine individual knowledge sharing processes in online communities from a process perspective. Our empirical evaluations show that effective knowledge sharing processes have distinct structural characteristics and communication network patterns compared to unhelpful knowledge sharing processes. Our research findings have practical implications for online community practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • G. Alan Wang & Xiaomo Liu & Jianling Wang & Min Zhang & Weiguo Fan, 2015. "Examining micro-level knowledge sharing discussions in online communities," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 1227-1238, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:17:y:2015:i:6:d:10.1007_s10796-015-9566-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-015-9566-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Shahla Ghobadi & John Campbell & Stewart Clegg, 2017. "Pair programming teams and high-quality knowledge sharing: A comparative study of coopetitive reward structures," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 397-409, April.
    2. Karl R. Lang & Vojislav B. Misic & Leon J. Zhao, 2015. "Special section on business process analytics," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(6), pages 1191-1194, December.
    3. Till Blesik & Markus Bick & Tyge-F. Kummer, 2022. "A Conceptualisation of Crowd Knowledge," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(5), pages 1647-1665, October.
    4. Luvai Motiwalla & Amit V. Deokar & Surendra Sarnikar & Angelika Dimoka, 2019. "Leveraging Data Analytics for Behavioral Research," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 735-742, August.
    5. Yeganeh Charband & Nima Jafari Navimipour, 2016. "Online knowledge sharing mechanisms: a systematic review of the state of the art literature and recommendations for future research," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 18(6), pages 1131-1151, December.
    6. Shahla Ghobadi & John Campbell & Stewart Clegg, 0. "Pair programming teams and high-quality knowledge sharing: A comparative study of coopetitive reward structures," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-13.

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