Do Morality-Based Individual Differences and Relational Climates Matter? Ethical Leadership and Knowledge Hiding: A Multilevel Framework

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to uncover how and when ethical leadership impacts knowledge hiding behavior. First, by examining the individual level morality-based characteristics (moral identity and reflective moral attentiveness) as separate and serial mediators concerning ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 1). Second, by investigating the moderating role of team- level relational climates in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding (level 2). Time- lagged design was used to collect data through a structured questionnaire from 300 employees of Information Technology (IT) organizations in Pakistan. Level 1 findings revealed a significant and negative relationship of ethical leadership with knowledge hiding. Follower’s individual level morality-based characteristics served as individual and serial mediators to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. Level 2 of the study only found the moderating role of team communal sharing climate in relation to ethical leadership and knowledge hiding. The study brings to fore the “morality-based perspective” for understanding knowledge hiding at the workplace.