Science Research Management ›› 2014, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (6): 121-128.

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Research on the influencing factors of individual knowledge contribution behavior in firm-hosted virtual community

Liu Haixin, Liu Renjing   

  1. The Management School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shanxi, China
  • Received:2013-08-13 Revised:2014-03-28 Online:2014-06-25 Published:2014-06-23

Abstract: Firm-hosted virtual community is considered to be an effective management tool to acquire external knowledge in the internet-based business environment. This paper explores the relationships between host firm management practices, individual motivations and knowledge contribution behavior. The relationship is empirically tested by structure equation modeling along with data gathered through a survey of 403 firm-hosted virtual community members in China. The results indicate that three host firm management practices, including encourage interaction, offline activities and incentives provision, have a positive effect on reciprocity and gain recognition, and two individual motivations have a significant positive effect on knowledge contribution.

Key words: firm-hosted virtual community, host firm management practice, knowledge contribution, individual motivation

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