Seeking or contributing? Evidence of knowledge sharing behaviours in promoting patients’ perceived value of online health communities

Abstract

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Older adults in virtual communities: understanding the antecedents of knowledge contribution and knowledge seeking through the lens of socioemotional selectivity and social cognitive theories

“…We posited that through this process, MP serves as a substitute environmental factor that can negatively moderate and thereby dampen the effects of MIL and ATA on VC members' KC/KS behaviors (Frey and Jegen, 2000;Osterloh et al, 2002;Osterloh and Frey, 2000;Guo et al, 2020;Chang and Chuang, 2011). However, as we discussed earlier, MIL and KC activities are more aligned with emotionally-oriented goals, while ATA and KS activities are more aligned with future-oriented goals.…”

“…We posited that through this above process, MP serves a complementary environmental factor that can positively moderate and thereby enhance the effects of OE-self and OEothers on VC members' KC/KS behaviors (Frey and Jegen, 2000;Osterloh et al, 2002;Osterloh and Frey, 2000;Guo et al, 2020;Chang and Chuang, 2011). However, as we discussed earlier, OE for older adults can be segmented into OE-self and OE-others based on the different goals prioritized by older adults depending on their perceptions of the remaining time in life.…”

“…Further, as a consequence of a higher level of new knowledge contribution by VC members, those seeking knowledge are more likely to find the knowledge they are looking for. Accordingly, in a VC with high MP, VC members have more opportunities for achieving their expected outcomes via their KC/KS behaviors (Yan and Tan, 2014; Koh et al , 2007; Chiu et al , 2006; Zhou et al , 2020; Guo et al , 2020).…”

Why do users continually seek knowledge in online Q&A communities? An empirical investigation

“…All information in online Q&A communities is traceable and along with other members’ comments. Such community affiliation and content not only eliminate uncertainty but also shape users’ opinions and positions on specific issues and provide the impetus for them to return to the community in the future (Charband and Navimipour, 2016; Guo et al , 2020).…”