Level of reciprocity in knowledge sharing

Indicator Number: 
70

Category: 

Logic Model Component: 

Data Type(s): 
Categorical scale, qualitative
Short Definition: 
Measures the extent to which knowledge sharing between two parties is perceived as mutual and fair
Definition and Explanation (Long): 
This indicator measures the extent to which knowledge sharing between two parties is perceived as mutual and fair (Chiu, Hsu, & Wang, 2006).
Data Requirements: 
Self-reported quantitative data using Likert scales to determine level of reciprocity; self-reported qualitative data describing level of reciprocity
Data Sources: 
Surveys, in-depth interviews
Frequency of Data Collection: 
Periodically (before, during, and after specific activities)
Purpose: 
The aim of this indicator is to gauge the level of reciprocity in knowledge sharing. In the context of communities of practice, participant reciprocity justifies the time and effort members spend sharing knowledge and can drive knowledge sharing (Chui et al., 2006).
Issues and Challenges: 
Reciprocity is defined as knowledge exchanges that are perceived as mutual and fair (Chiu et al., 2006). Studies show that norms related to reciprocity can increase knowledge sharing (Wasko & Faraj, 2005). While norms of reciprocity may increase the quantity of knowledge shared, they did not have a positive influence on the quality of knowledge (Chiu et al., 2006). Further research is required to better understand how norms of reciprocity affect both knowledge quality and quantity in networks that use both online and face-to-face modalities for knowledge sharing.

Published Year: 

  • 2017
Last Updated Date: 
Wednesday, December 13, 2017