Evidence of the conditions affecting knowledge hiding among librarians in academic libraries

Article

Kakhki, Mojtaba Kaffashan, Zutshi, Ambika, Refoua, Shabnam, Maleksadati, Iman and Behzadi, Hassan. 2024. "Evidence of the conditions affecting knowledge hiding among librarians in academic libraries." The Electronic Library: the international journal for the application of technology in information environments. 42 (4), pp. 598-616. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-09-2023-0229
Article Title

Evidence of the conditions affecting knowledge hiding among librarians in academic libraries

ERA Journal ID10598
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsKakhki, Mojtaba Kaffashan, Zutshi, Ambika, Refoua, Shabnam, Maleksadati, Iman and Behzadi, Hassan
Journal TitleThe Electronic Library: the international journal for the application of technology in information environments
Journal Citation42 (4), pp. 598-616
Number of Pages19
Year2024
PublisherEmerald
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0264-0473
1527-1161
1758-616X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-09-2023-0229
Web Address (URL)https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EL-09-2023-0229/full/html
Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to identify and theorize the conditions affecting the formation of librarians’ knowledge-hiding behaviour in academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a qualitative research based on the grounded theory approach. The data collection method involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using the MAXQDA software in three stages: open, axial and selective coding. The study included 22 faculty members and experienced librarians from academic libraries. The participants were selected using a combination of targeted and snowball sampling techniques.

Findings
The study yielded 96 open codes, 24 axial codes and 18 selective general codes related to the axial category of knowledge hiding (KH). The librarians’ KH axial coding paradigm pattern was developed in an academic library setting. The study also highlighted some general consequences of KH in academic libraries, such as lobbying and creating knowledge rents, deterioration of organizational relationships and interactions, reducing the competitive advantage of academic libraries and hindering individual and organizational learning.

Originality/value
This study has made a valuable contribution to the identification and explanation of the factors that affect KH. In addition, it has filled a research gap within the library and information science (LIS) field. The findings of the study may offer managers new strategies for addressing the occurrence of KH in academic libraries, and they also add to the existing literature on knowledge management in LIS.

KeywordsAcademic libraries; Knowledge management; Knowledge hiding; Knowledge sharing; Axial coding pattern; Grounded theory
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020460912. Knowledge and information management
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Byline AffiliationsFerdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
School of Business
Kharazmi University, Iran
Payame Noor University, Iran
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