Knowledge sharing and KM effectiveness in technology R&D teams: transactive memory system and team-based outcome expectations perspectives

R&D process can primarily be considered as a knowledge management (KM) process. In particular, knowledge sharing/transferring is perceived to be the most essential processes for knowledge management. Organizations rely on many kinds of work groups such as R&D teams to develop technologies, improve services and manage operations. Thus, this study proposes a group level research model which includes transactive memory system, network tie, team-based outcome expectations and trust to examine knowledge sharing in technology R&D teams. Besides, the relationship between KM effectiveness and knowledge sharing is also examined in technology R&D teams. Our research model is assessed using data from a sample of 248 members of technology R&D teams and is analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) method. The results of this study indicate: (1) transactive memory system and team-based outcome expectations can facilitate knowledge sharing; (2) trust and network tie can facilitate transactive memory system and (3) knowledge sharing has no effect on KM effectiveness. This study also discusses implications for the technology R&D teams based on the results of this study.