Knowledge-Sharing Motivation in Virtual Communities

Abstract

This chapter explores the motivation of virtual community members in regards to knowledge sharing and understands the underlying factors of such sharing behaviors. In order to better understand the effects of the two key factors (expectancy value and transaction cost) on the behaviors of knowledge sharing in virtual communities, this chapter presents a conceptual model to illustrate the relationship between transaction cost, expectancy value, and knowledge sharing. The knowledge transaction market is also further examined, since knowledge sharing is a form of knowledge transaction and the knowledge market provides an essential platform for knowledge transaction. This chapter is concluded with closing remarks and some suggestions for future research direction.