Outcomes of knowledge hiding and global contingencies: a meta-analysis

Purpose This study is to systematically examine the outcomes of knowledge hiding in the workplace, as well as the moderating influences of global cultural and economic contingencies. Design/methodology/approach We conduct a meta-analysis of the 90 empirical papers to quantify the effects of knowledge hiding on job performance and job satisfaction. We also test moderator effects based on national-level cultural and economic indicators. Findings Knowledge hiding has a negative impact on job performance and job satisfaction; the negative effect of knowledge hiding on job performance is weaker in countries with high level of power distance, long-term orientation and indulgence but stronger in countries with high level of masculinity; the negative effect of knowledge hiding on job satisfaction is weaker in countries with high level of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation and GDP per capita but stronger in countries with high level of masculinity. Practical implications Our findings offer actionable guidance for managers of multinational organizations seeking to reduce the harmful effects of knowledge hiding based on different cultural and economic backgrounds. Originality/value Prior literature has not systematically compared the outcomes of knowledge hiding, and the impact of knowledge hiding remains obfuscated by contradictory findings. This study comprehensively analyzes the outcomes of knowledge hiding and reconciles prior inconsistent findings by introducing national cultural and economic factors as boundary conditions, thus contributing a context-sensitive theoretical framework for understanding knowledge hiding across global settings.