The influence of transformational leadership on self-efficacy and knowledge sharing of teachers: moderating role of knowledge-oriented school culture

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of transformational leadership (TL) of school leaders on tacit and explicit knowledge sharing (KS) of teachers via the mediating roles of knowledge self-efficacy. This study also attempts to bring a deeper insight on the correlation between TL and KS by exploring the moderating effect of knowledge-oriented school culture (KSC). Design/methodology/approach The paper used the quantitative approach and structural equation modeling to test the relationship among the latent factors in the proposed research model using data collected from 335 teachers in Vietnamese universities. Findings The findings revealed that TL might be an important precursor to create significant influences on tacit and explicit KS behaviors of teachers directly or indirectly through its positive effect on knowledge self-efficacy. In addition, the paper highlights the moderating role of KSC in strengthening the impact of TL on tacit and explicit KS behaviors of teachers. Research limitations/implications This paper offers principals and managers in higher education a novel approach and valuable understanding of the effective pathways to foster KS behaviors of teachers. Originality/value This study is unique in its attempts to bridge research gaps in the literature and advance the insights of how school leadership fosters knowledge self-efficacy and KS willingness of teachers through practicing TL style and building a knowledge-oriented climate in higher education.