To Compare or Not to Care? Studying Knowledge-Sharing Behavior by Exploring the Interplay Between SLMX, ELMX, Negative Emotions and LMXSC

Abstract

Knowledge is considered one of the most strategic resources for firms, and employees’ perception of leader-member exchange (LMX) is significant in predicting knowledge-sharing behavior. However, as knowledge is possessed and shared between employees, individual factors and external conditions may enhance or inhibit knowledge sharing. Our study aims to address this issue by examining the moderating role of negative emotions and leadermember exchange social comparison (LMXSC) on LMX and knowledge-sharing behavior. Conceptualizing social leader-member exchange (SLMX) and economic leader-member exchange (ELMX) as two salient constructs, we postulate a triple interaction model to extend the understanding of when and to which degree negative emotions and LMXSC affect knowledge-sharing behavior. By integrating the principles of social comparison theory on LMX, we argue that LMXSC moderates the moderated effect of negative emotions on the relationship between ELMX, SLMX, and knowledge-sharing behavior. We obtained cross-sectional data from 201 working individuals in Norway, and a hierarchical moderated regression model was used to test the postulated relationships. This study replicated prior research in the field, confirming that SLMX relates positively to knowledgesharing behavior. Additionally, the study’s significant three-way interaction suggests that LMXSC accentuates the negative relationship between ELMX and knowledge-sharing behavior when employees experience negative emotions. Our research adds new insight into the literature on ELMX and SLMX, and it emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding social comparison, negative emotions, and their effects on knowledge-sharing behavior. We present a critical reflection of our results, and the paper concludes with suggestions for further research and practical implications.