The roles of learning orientation: structural determinants for improving knowledge sharing with committed and satisfied employees

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between several perceptional and behavioral determinants of employees’ knowledge sharing. Based on the conceptual model of the current research, individuals’ learning orientation was theorized as playing a mediating role in the influences of employees’ satisfaction and organizational commitment on knowledge sharing in the Korean retail service industry. Design/methodology/approach To analyze variable relationships, a total of 868 cases, collected from the Korean retail service industry, were used. Structural equation modeling was used for analyzing structural influential relationships among the variables. Findings One of the most important findings is that learning orientation is the key factor influencing knowledge sharing. More specifically, the analysis demonstrated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment have a significant influence on knowledge sharing only through learning orientation in terms of its mediating effect. In other words, learning orientation is a facilitator enhancing knowledge sharing through motivation and intention. The findings of this study have theoretical implications. In addition, an individual’s job satisfaction and organizational commitment could lead to a more active learning orientation and eventually could enhance knowledge-sharing activities. Practical implications The findings show that learning orientation is the key factor influencing knowledge sharing. In other words, learning orientation is a facilitator enhancing knowledge sharing through motivation and intention. These findings provide practical implications for practitioners who attempt to promote knowledge sharing among employees. Originality/value Most studies have considered the variables of job satisfaction and employee commitment as outcome variables. However, in the research, this paper founds that satisfied and committed employees could be the most critical influencers for organization performance and knowledge improvement.