Understanding the relationship between diversity-oriented leadership and knowledge sharing among public employees: the roles of internal communication

Abstract

Purpose

Little study has focused on diversity-oriented leadership in the context of public organizations. Thus, this study aims to investigate how diversity-oriented leadership impacts knowledge sharing through transparent internal communication. In addition, this study also explores the moderating role of internal social network use in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 422 public servants working in wards (grassroot-level government) in Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate that diversity-oriented leadership positively impacts knowledge sharing through the mediating mechanism of transparent internal communication. Moreover, internal social network use moderates the nexus between diversity-oriented leadership and knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that public managers can promote knowledge-sharing behaviors among employees by building diversity-oriented leadership and enhancing transparent internal communication. Moreover, public managers should encourage employees to use internal social network.

Originality/value

This inquiry advances the understanding of knowledge sharing in public organizations via the predictive role of diversity-oriented leadership and the mediating mechanism of transparent internal communication. Moreover, this study is among the pioneering studies investigating the moderating role of internal social network use.

Citation

Tran Pham, T.K. and Tu, T.M. (2025), "Understanding the relationship between diversity-oriented leadership and knowledge sharing among public employees: the roles of internal communication", Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 237-249. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-08-2024-0180