Actions Dictate the Consequences: Workplace Incivility, Knowledge Hiding, and Psychological Entitlement

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of workplace incivility on knowledge hiding behavior. The study also empirically analyzed the moderating effect of psychological entitlement between workplace incivility and knowledge hiding behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to collect the data using a structured questionnaire. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. A total of 465 academicians participated in the study belonging to Pakistan's different higher education institutions. Findings: The findings revealed that workplace incivility positively impacts knowledge hiding behavior. Moreover, psychological entitlement moderated the relationship between workplace incivility and knowledge hiding behavior. Implications/Originality/Value: The current study highlighted the examination of the antecedent of knowledge hiding behavior. The personality disposition has been studied as a moderator between incivility and knowledge hiding. This study disclosed how psychological entitlement could change a person's tendency to share knowledge with peers.