The formation of concern for face and its impact on knowledge sharing intention in knowledge management systems

Previous empirical studies have shown that in Chinese culture face is critical for the success of knowledge sharing in knowledge management systems (KMS). However, much less is known about the factors shaping the concern for face and the way they impact on the individual's knowledge sharing intention in KMS. Using data drawn from professionals’ knowledge sharing practices in Taiwanese organizations, this study focuses on a detailed investigation of the concern for face and how it impedes individuals’ knowledge sharing intention in the KMS context. The research findings show that the perfection of authentic self and the scrutiny of others (referred to as others’ watch) together explain 27.7% of the variance in face in relation to public self. In turn, face related to public self explains 20.7% of subjective norms. Finally, face related to public self and subjective norms together account for 41.2% of the variance in knowledge sharing intention. The research findings have important theoretical and managerial implications.