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This study aims to investigate the dynamics of knowledge hiding (KH) within group settings, focusing on both the experiences of those who hide knowledge and the perceptions of their group members.

An exploratory study was conducted with 49 undergraduate business students who participated in group-based problem-solving tasks. Some participants were assigned the role of “knowledge hiders.” Data were gathered through observations, pre- and posttask surveys and in-depth interviews. The analysis included quantitative and qualitative approaches, with thematic analysis applied to the qualitative data.

This study identified complex emotional responses among knowledge hiders, including guilt and cognitive conflict, moderated by social context. Hiders used various strategies, including evasive hiding, playing dumb and misdirection. Interestingly, targets often misinterpreted KH behaviors, attributing them to disinterest or discomfort rather than intentional withholding.

The controlled setting and short-term interactions may limit generalizability to organizational contexts. Future research should explore the long-term consequences of KH and its occurrence in diverse environments.

Organizations may benefit from addressing the underlying causes of KH, such as communication issues and weak social connections, rather than solely focusing on eliminating KH behaviors. Understanding the subtle nature of KH could lead to more effective interventions in fostering open knowledge-sharing cultures.

The dual perspective – examining both the hiders’ and targets’ experiences – adds a novel dimension to the KH literature. The findings challenge the assumption that KH always leads to negative outcomes, like mistrust or group conflict, and emphasize how KH is often misperceived in group interactions.

The purpose of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to examine the theoretical landscape of knowledge hiding (KH) research, identifies prevailing theories, the different ways KH is understood within these theories and the underlying assumptions that shape these views. Based on this, ideas for further research are derived to advance the theoretical basis of KH studies.

Using a theory-based SLR, the authors analysed 170 scientific papers from Scopus and Web of Science. This involved thematic analysis to categorise theories frequently applied in KH research and a detailed examination to link core assumptions to these theoretical perspectives.

The analysis revealed a reliance on 86 distinct theories, with a notable emphasis on social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory. KH is predominantly conceptualised as a negative, objective, reactive and relational behaviour rooted in social reciprocity and resource conservation. The review uncovers the multifaceted nature of KH, challenging the field to incorporate broader theoretical views that encompass positive aspects, subjective experiences, strategic intentions and non-relational determinants of KH.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically map and analyse the theoretical underpinnings of KH research. It offers a unique contribution by categorising the diverse theories applied in KH studies and explicitly linking these theories to their inherent assumptions about KH. This approach provides a comprehensive overview that not only identifies gaps in the current research landscape but also proposes alternative theoretical perspectives for exploring KH, thereby setting a new direction for future studies in this field.