Relationship between Big Five personality traits and knowledge sharing behavior: moderating role of Islamic work ethics

Purpose The existence of intense competition in turbulent markets confirms the importance of using ethical employee practices in knowledge sharing behaviour (KSB) to ensure organisational growth. This is especially applicable in developing countries' markets where this intensive competition usually results in organisations following illicit practices. This paper aims to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality traits (i.e. openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and KSB using Islamic work ethics (IWE) as the moderator.

Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method using a survey instrument collected 182 responses from employees in the Pakistani telecommunication industry. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings The results found that IWE has a positive impact on KSB and a positive moderating impact on the relationship between the Big Five personality traits except neuroticism and KSB. Also, openness to experience and agreeableness positively impacted KSB.

Practical implications This paper contributes to the field of human resource (HR) management by helping managers in the hiring process or developing employee's personalities. Additionally, policymakers are encouraged to create Islamic values platforms to increase KSB amongst employees.

Originality/value This study indicates the importance of IWE in boosting the impact of personality on KSB and provides insights into IWE's role in enhancing an organisation's competitive advantages in turbulent markets.