The Model of Antecedents and Consequences of Knowledge Hoarding: A Meta-synthesis Method

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate Prof., Department of Management, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22059/jipa.2025.391264.3658

Abstract

Objective
In the contemporary organizational landscape, the strategic sharing of information plays a critical role in achieving competitive advantage and operational efficiency. However, the deliberate refusal to share knowledge—commonly referred to as knowledge hoarding—has emerged as a significant impediment to the attainment of organizational goals. Knowledge hoarding creates barriers to collaboration, learning, innovation, and overall organizational development. Recognizing and understanding the antecedents and consequences of this behavior is therefore of strategic importance. Despite the growing body of research on knowledge hoarding, the literature remains fragmented and lacks an integrated framework that consolidates existing findings. To address this gap, the present study aims to develop a comprehensive and systematic model of the antecedents and consequences of knowledge hoarding in organizations by synthesizing insights from existing research.
Methods
This study adopts a qualitative research design using the meta-synthesis method. To ensure the credibility and relevance of the data, a systematic literature search was conducted across multiple academic databases. Search strategies included the use of Boolean operators, publication year filters, and the elimination of duplicate records. This process initially identified 273 studies, of which 111 high-quality and relevant sources were ultimately selected for inclusion in the analysis. The process of literature collection, screening, and data extraction spanned approximately two months. The research population consists of previously published empirical and conceptual studies on knowledge hoarding. After identifying the relevant sources, a thematic analysis was applied to extract, refine, and integrate key data in order to construct a conceptual model.
Results
Through the careful analysis of selected studies, initial data codes were extracted and reviewed for validity. Duplicate and redundant codes were eliminated, while similar concepts were merged and grouped based on thematic coherence. The antecedents of knowledge hoarding were classified into three primary dimensions:

Individual factors – including personality traits, behavioral tendencies, and perceptual frameworks.
Organizational factors – encompassing structural constraints, managerial styles, organizational culture, and procedural inadequacies.
Social factors – related to broader cultural and developmental influences.

The consequences of knowledge hoarding were also organized into three levels:

Individual consequences (e.g., reduced learning and psychological stress),
Group-level consequences (e.g., team dysfunction and weakened collaboration),
Organizational consequences (e.g., innovation stagnation, reduced productivity, and strategic vulnerability).

Conclusion
This study provides managers with a consolidated understanding of the multifaceted causes and far-reaching implications of knowledge hoarding. By identifying and categorizing the antecedents and consequences, this research offers a conceptual foundation for designing interventions that reduce knowledge hoarding behaviors. The model encourages organizational leaders to recognize the systemic nature of this issue and to implement policies and practices that promote knowledge sharing, transparency, and collaborative culture. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted strategies to mitigate knowledge hoarding and foster a more open and knowledge-driven organizational environment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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Journal of Public Administration
Volume 17, Issue 3
2025
Pages 734-766

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