摘要：The main purpose of this study is to present a framework on the construct, knowledge hoarding by
investigating and distinguishing it from related concepts such as knowledge sharing and knowledge
hiding. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen our understanding of knowledge hoarding by defining
the construct in detail while seeking answers to why employees hoard their knowledge. The present
study contains a discussion of related research on knowledge hoarding and its implications for organizations,
managers and employees. By integrating research from the fields of knowledge management,
human resources management and organizational behavior, this paper attempts to clarify
a number of issues about this concept and aims to offer a factual report on what research has to say
about it. Knowledge is not an individual, but an organizational asset. In today’s business environment,
hoarding knowledge erodes one’s power rather than constituting a source of power. In order
to remain competitive in the future, organizations will need to abandon their ideas of information
hoarding and embrace knowledge management. Downsizing in organizations and the potential loss
of employment due to the global economic crisis alerts the managers to be sensitive to the reasons
why the individuals avoid sharing their knowledge. The managerial level should attempt to break
the hoarding cycle and create new models for interaction and knowledge sharing. It is important to
examine why some employees would sometimes prefer to keep knowledge to themselves. Thus,
the present study seeks an answer to that area of under-investigated research.
关键词：Organizational knowledge;Knowledge management;Knowledge withholding;Knowledge hoarding;Knowledge as a source of;power
