A study on the factors affecting knowledge contribution and knowledge utilization in an online knowledge network

Since online knowledge networks usually consist of a larger, loosely knit, and geographically distributed group of ‘strangers’ who may not know each other very well, members may not willingly share their knowledge with others. In order to address this challenge, this study looks into the factors that are expected to affect knowledge sharing in an online knowledge network. For empirical validation, we choose ‘the global network of Korean scientists and engineers (KOSEN)’ as one of the best practices of online knowledge networks. By using the archival, network, and survey data, we validate two models of knowledge sharing in sequence (i.e., knowledge contribution and knowledge utilization models) and then discuss the results. The findings of this study show that individuals not only contribute but also utilize knowledge in an online knowledge network when they are structurally embedded and perceive a strong reciprocity in the network. In addition, taking pleasure in helping is found to positively affect knowledge contribution, whereas perceiving usefulness is found to influence knowledge utilization. Contributions of this study and future research opportunities are also discussed.