Impact of linguistic ostracism on knowledge sharing, hiding and hoarding and the moderating role of cultural intelligence

Abstract

PurposeDrawing on the theory of belongingness, this study scrutinizes the impact of linguistic ostracism on knowledge sharing, knowledge hiding and knowledge hoarding and the moderating role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in a diverse and multi-cultural work setting.Design/methodology/approachA two-phase sampling of judgmental and random sampling techniques was used to recruit local and foreign workers in the Jordanian service industry. The present study empirically analyzes the sample of 394 employees' responses by applying variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM).FindingsVB-SEM results indicate that linguistic ostracism lessens knowledge sharing behavior and heightens knowledge hiding and hoarding. CQ moderates two of the said associations, specifically by buffering the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge hiding, as well as linguistic ostracism and knowledge hoarding. Consequently, CQ did not moderate the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge sharing.Practical implicationsThe study's findings can help managers and decision-makers in such workplaces better understand the deleterious effects of linguistic ostracism and how CQ functions as a buffer. The study concludes with theoretical and managerial implications.Originality/valueVery few investigations have been conducted to determine the consequences of linguistic ostracism in today's multi-cultural and diverse work environment. This paper is among the first to unveil the association of linguistic ostracism and CQ with various knowledge management (KM) concepts.

Why do academics hide knowledge after coworker ostracism? A moderated mediation model based on relational identification and perceived harming intention

“…, 2020). Ostracism has been negatively associated with knowledge sharing behaviours and found to induce knowledge hoarding and knowledge hiding (Albana and Yeşiltaş, 2021). Zhao et al.…”

“…, 2019), will power and way power (Islam et al. , 2021), and cultural intelligence (Albana and Yeşiltaş, 2021). Thus, we have illuminated that attribution plays a vital role in deciding whether coworker ostracism will lead to reduced coworker relational identification and knowledge hiding.…”

“…This research is pivotal in relational identification with coworkers (Sluss and Ashforth, 2007) as a mediating mechanism in addition to the previously examined intervening mechanism of job tension (Riaz et al, 2019), organization-bases self-esteem and employee silence (Takhsha et al, 2020), and trust (Islam et al, 2021). The role of the PHI was taken as a moderator, moving beyond the roles of negative reciprocity beliefs and moral disengagement (Zhao et al, 2016), political skills (Zhao and Xia, 2017), employee loyalty (Riaz et al, 2019), will power and way power (Islam et al, 2021), and cultural intelligence (Albana and Yes ¸iltas ¸, 2021). Thus, we have illuminated that attribution plays a vital role in deciding whether coworker ostracism will lead to reduced coworker relational identification and knowledge hiding.…”

“…Islam et al (2021) tested the impact of workplace ostracism on knowledge sharing behaviour through the mediating role of trust and the moderating role of will power and way power. The effect of workplace ostracism on knowledge hiding, sharing and hoarding was tested through the moderating role of cultural intelligence (Albana and Yes ¸iltas ¸, 2021). The research has suggested further investigating the underlying mechanisms linking workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding (Bhatti et al, 2022).…”

“…Coworker interactions constitute an inexorable part of the daily work routine, thus, the ostracism faced from peers is termed coworker ostracism (Curtis et al, 2020). Ostracism has been negatively associated with knowledge sharing behaviours and found to induce knowledge hoarding and knowledge hiding (Albana and Yes ¸iltas ¸, 2021). Zhao et al (2016) established that knowledge hiding is a result of being ostracized.…”