The Role of Social Capital in Knowledge Sharing: A Meta-Analytic Review

Social interaction has been viewed as an important trigger for knowledge sharing. Previous studies have shown difference in both direction and magnitude of relationships between the determinants and knowledge sharing outcomes. By combing the social capital theory, the theory of reasoned action (TRA), and the technology acceptance model (TAM), the present study proposes an integrated model of knowledge sharing from the social capital perspective at individual level. A meta-analysis of 30 empirical studies provides support for the hypotheses. Social capital will play different roles toward different knowledge sharing outcomes. The implications of these results are discussed.