Unleashing knowledge sharing in a developing country: a case of healthcare industry

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the role of the types of psychological contract (PC) to enhance knowledge sharing (KS) behavior of employees through the intervention of perceived organizational support (POS).

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses primary sources to get data from the participants of both private and public hospitals. Overall, 210 respondents participated in the study, which later subjected to the analysis using CAUSALMED procedures using statistical analysis software.

Findings

The findings from the study projected that all types of psychological have a considerable effect on KS behavior of employees, either directly or through the intervening mechanism. Furthermore, the study also indicates that if employees’ POS, they will share a stronger bond with the organization, which will be beneficial for the organizations’ health.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, despite the fact that this study proposes valuable insights into KS behavior; it allows some impediments of a primary study. Secondly, the research is constrained to the hospital industry. Finally, this exploration can likewise be reinforced by incorporating other intervening mechanisms, to give an extensive understanding of the connection between employees’ perception regarding PC and KS behavior.

Practical implications

The findings of the present research have potential applications for human resource managers of the healthcare industry to place more emphasis on the types of PC, organizational support and KS among the employees to achieve a competitive advantage in this dynamic environment through knowledge management, which is considered a strategic asset nowadays.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution by identifying the diverse paths, indicating how the types of PC can impact KS with employees’ perceptions toward organizational support. It also highlights that how the heaths care industries, as compare to the old practices can encourage a culture of KS in this highly competitive and dynamic environment to remain at the top on the market.

Citation

Blouch, R., Yasmeen, A., Khan, M.M. and Shakeel, W. (2021), "Unleashing knowledge sharing in a developing country: a case of healthcare industry", Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, Vol. 70 No. 1/2, pp. 60-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2019-0159