Knowledge is considered an important source of establishing and maintaining competitive advantages. In the knowledge-based economy, knowledge sharing is increasingly viewed as critical to organizational effectiveness. Knowledge sharing has gained importance in organizations seeking to gain a competitive edge. Specifically, knowledge sharing, and the resulting knowledge creation are crucial for organizations to gain and sustain competitiveness. However, knowledge sharing is challenging in organizations for two reasons: First, individuals’ tacit knowledge, by its very nature, is difficult to transfer. Second, knowledge sharing is typically voluntary. Indeed, effective knowledge sharing is challenging because individuals cannot be compelled to do it. Organizations can manage knowledge resources more effectively only if individuals are willing to share their knowledge with colleagues. To facilitate knowledge sharing among individuals and across organizations, it is essential to understand the factors influencing individuals’ proactive attitude to sharing knowledge. Accordingly, there is a significant amount of research on factors such as shared goals, trust, willingness, motivation and intention, that may influence knowledge sharing behavior in organizations. The aim of this paper is to develop an understanding of the factors supporting or inhibiting individuals’ knowledge sharing behavior. As Oman, like any other countries in the Arab world, faces a somewhat high unemployment, especially among its graduates, providing a secure job may motivate them to engage in knowledge sharing behavior. More studies in knowledge sharing are expected to help decision and policy makers in organization in the Arab world with a reason to support implementing knowledge sharing strategies. Knowledge sharing research will continue to grow, reflecting the significance of knowledge as an important resource to the organization in developing its competitive advantages.
Keywords: Motivation, Trust, Willingness, intention, knowledge sharing behavior, proactive attitude, shared goals
