A Study of Knowledge Seeking through Electronic Knowledge Repositories among Sri Lankan IT Professionals

Abstract Knowledge sharing through Electronic Knowledge Repositories (EKR) can be successful, only if knowledge stored in the EKR is reused effectively. In order for knowledge to be reused, knowledge workers must be willing to seek knowledge through EKR. This paper attempts to identify the significant cost and benefit factors that influence knowledge seeking through EKR among Sri Lankan IT professionals, in order to encourage Sri Lankan IT professionals to seek knowledge through EKR. Knowledge seeking behaviour is examined by using a model which employs the social exchange theory (SET) to identify cost and benefit factors affecting EKR usage, and social capital theory (SCT) to account for the moderating influence of contextual factors. Six hypotheses were formulated based on the theoretical framework. An Internet based online survey was used to collect data from 207 IT professionals. Multiple linear regression results reveal that the most significant factor that influences knowledge seeking is knowledge growth which is moderated by pro-sharing norms. A study of the factors that influence knowledge seeking through EKR is vital to better understand the reasons for the reluctance of Sri Lankan IT professionals to seek knowledge through EKR. By encouraging Sri Lankan IT professionals to seek knowledge through EKR, Sri Lankan IT companies can ensure that knowledge is reused effectively and thereby become more productive and efficient.