The influence of workplace exclusion on employees' knowledge hiding : organizational atmosphere as theintermediary variable

Abstract

Enterprises with patent fortress or advanced technology can often lead the development direction of the industry and strive for their interests for themselves. Knowledge transfer occurs between employees, and negative emotions brought about by workplace exclusion can inevitably destroy interpersonal relationships within organizations and hinder the flow of knowledge. Therefore, based on social exchange theories and ternary interaction determinism, this study explores the influence of workplace exclusion on knowledge hiding within organizations and the mediating role of organizational atmosphere. After sorting and reviewing relevant literature, this paper proposes a theoretical model of workplace exclusion – organizational climate – knowledge hiding and collects data from Chinese enterprises through questionnaires. SPSS 27.0 and Process 4.1 were used for statistical data analysis. The results revealed that, first of all, workplace exclusion could positively affect knowledge hiding. Secondly, workplace exclusion could negatively affect the organizational climate in enterprises, which was consistent with previous research results. Thirdly, organizational atmosphere could negatively affect knowledge hiding. Fourthly, organizational climate was found to play a partial mediating role between workplace exclusion and knowledge hiding. This study explains the mechanism of workplace exclusion on knowledge hiding from the aspect of environment, filling the gaps of previous studies. Meanwhile, it recommended that managers establish a good organizational atmosphere to restrain negative consequences caused by workplace exclusion to establish a more perfect knowledge management system.