Relationship between workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding; mediational role of reciprocity beliefs among college teachers

Abstract

Based on the social exchange theory and conservation of resources theory, the present research aimed to study the role of reciprocity beliefs in the relationship between workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding among college teachers. The study was conducted on a sample of 490 college teachers (i.e., 250 men & 240 women). The sample's age ranged from 24 to 58 years (M = 28, SD = 1.30). Psychometrically strong measurement tools were used to measure the constructs. Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated workplace ostracism as a significant positive predictor of knowledge hiding for college teachers. Mediation analysis demonstrated that negative and generalized reciprocity beliefs significantly mediated the relationship between workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding. This research will help organizations develop clear policies that encourage knowledge sharing and provide support systems for instructors with experience of ostracism. Limitations and suggestions of the current study for further empirical endeavors have also been discussed.

Keywords

• Workplace ostracism
• Knowledge hiding
• Reciprocity beliefs