The Mediating Role of Insider Identity Cognition in the Impact of Differentiated Team Atmosphere Perception on Employee Knowledge Hiding Behavior

This study delves into the intricate relationship between differentiated team atmosphere perception and employee knowledge hiding behavior within China’s communications technology service industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of insider identity cognition in this dynamic. Grounded in social information processing theory and resource conservation theory, the research encompassed a six-month data collection period, yielding 465 valid questionnaires from industry employees. The analysis revealed that a perceived differentiated team atmosphere significantly and positively impacts employee knowledge hiding behavior. Critically, this study found that insider identity cognition acts as a partial mediator in this relationship, suggesting that how employees perceive their place within the organization influences their likelihood of hiding knowledge. Interestingly, while psychological resilience did not directly moderate the link between team atmosphere perception and knowledge hiding, it did negatively moderate the relationship between team atmosphere perception and insider identity cognition. These findings offer valuable insights for managers aiming to curtail knowledge hiding and cultivate a more conducive team atmosphere within China’s communications technology service industry. By understanding these dynamics, organizations can develop targeted interventions to enhance collaboration, innovation, and overall performance.