The value of knowledge sharing: impact of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing on team performance of scientists

Abstract

Knowledge sharing that takes place among team members is a process of great relevance that builds ties and relationships which in turn results in positive organizational and team outcomes. However, as it is not usually formally included in the job descriptions and is not a formal part of organizations’ and team activities, it is considered to be an organization citizenship behavior. Our paper emphasizes significance of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing to team performance in the context of scientific cooperation. A positive relationship between tacit knowledge sharing and explicit knowledge sharing with team performance was found using linear regression. Furthermore, high levels of knowledge sharing and team performance were identified among scientists.

Keywords: Team performance, Knowledge sharing, Tacit knowledge, Explicit knowledge, Scientific cooperation