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Determinants of top-down knowledge hiding in firms: an individual-level perspective

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Abstract

While effective knowledge management is vital in supply chain networks, it is important to note that senior managers can also engage in the process of hiding knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors, which motivate senior managers of buying and supplying firms to deliberately hide knowledge from their managers in the supply chain context. Findings from multiple case studies suggest that, senior managers intentionally hide knowledge from their managers based on five individual-level reasons: indispensability, career prospects, job security, restricted permissions by business partners, and higher own profits. This paper concludes by discussing its implications to theory and practice, alongside limitations and future research directions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, School of Business, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

    Atif Saleem Butt

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Appendix: interview protocol

Appendix: interview protocol

1. Could you please tell me about your position here (firm name)?

2. How long have you been associated with this organization?

3. What are your current responsibilities?

4. Whom do you report to?


Part (a)

5. What is the role of knowledge sharing in your company as well as with other companies??

6. How knowledge sharing helps in shaping a better buyer–supplier relationship

7. Can you tell me the benefits associated with knowledge sharing between firms?


Part (b)

8. Do you hide knowledge from subordinates?

9. Why it likely a case that you engage in this practice?

10. How knowledge hiding affects the behaviour of managers?

Could you please tell me a little bit more about this?

I would like you to explain more about that, please?

Really very interesting. Please continue

Can you give me an example?


Wrap up

Thank you very much indeed for this interview. You will receive a copy of this report once we are done with the data collection and analysis process. Please just do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have questions.

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Butt, A.S. Determinants of top-down knowledge hiding in firms: an individual-level perspective. Asian Bus Manage 20, 259–279 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41291-019-00091-1

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