Knowledge Sharing among Contract Workers in Spaces Outside the Organization

Abstract

This study examines knowledge sharing behavior of gig economy contract workers in online communities and focuses on the role of their organizational identification, occupational identification, and commitment. The study has two parts; a case study on Uber and Lyft drivers who share knowledge via Facebook online communities and a survey on gig economy contract workers. Knowledge sharing behavior was examined through a content analysis of key themes, and the relationship between different variables was tested using the survey data. Findings underscore how contract workers actively share and enhance community knowledge through online discussion. There is evidence of contract workers developing a rich body of knowledge external to parent organizations. The study shows a moderation effect of internalization between the relationship of organizational commitment and knowledge-seeking and donating, which asserts the importance of building relationships between workers and the organization to enhance both organizational commitment and knowledge sharing.