Knowledge sharing among architects in a project design team: An empirical test of theory of reasoned action in China

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the theory of reasoned action as a general framework to predict knowledge-sharing behavior and offer practical guidance to promote knowledge sharing in the Chinese construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: Based on survey data, structural equation modeling was applied to test the theory of reasoned action in the architectural design project team context in China. Findings: The results suggest that attitude toward knowledge sharing is more important than subjective norms in determining architects' willingness to share knowledge. But the two factors are positively correlated. Research limitations/implications: Although theory of reasoned action provides us with a powerful prediction model, it cannot explain the underlying mental processes. More attention should be paid to the development of the explanatory model in future researches. Originality/value: The results presented in this paper usefully imply that team managers should focus more on training architects to have a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing, so as to increase knowledge-sharing behaviors. Moreover, the architectural design organizations should build up a knowledge-sharing culture so that architects' attitudes toward knowledge sharing become more positive. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.