Exploring the impact of team identification on employee work behavior: the mediating role of knowledge sharing

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how team identification influences employee work behaviors within organizational contexts. Specifically, we investigate the impact of team identification on two distinct behaviors: organizational citizenship behavior toward individuals (OCB-I) and counterproductive work behavior toward Individuals (CWB-I), with knowledge sharing as a mediating mechanism. By examining these relationships, this study provides insights into how team identification shapes both positive and negative employee behaviors and how knowledge sharing functions as a crucial mechanism in this process. Design/methodology/approach A two-wave, time-lagged survey design was employed. Data were collected from 269 full-time employees across various industries in South Korea, with participants providing follow-up responses one week after the initial survey. Findings The study’s findings revealed that team identification significantly influences employee work behaviors. A strong sense of team identification was positively associated with organizational citizenship behavior toward individuals (OCB-I). Although not statistically significant, team identification also showed a tendency to negatively impact Counterproductive Work Behavior toward Individuals (CWB-I). Importantly, knowledge sharing mediated both relationships. Specifically, knowledge sharing partially mediated the positive relationship between team identification and OCB-I while mediating the negative relationship between team identification and CWB-I. These results highlight the crucial role of knowledge sharing in translating team identification into observable workplace behaviors. Originality/value This study contributes original insights to the organizational behavior field by elucidating the mediating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between team identification and employee work behaviors. While previous research has examined these elements separately, our study uniquely integrates them, demonstrating how knowledge sharing serves as a pivotal mechanism translating team identification into both positive (OCB-I) and negative (CWB-I) work behaviors. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of team dynamics within organizations and underscore the importance of fostering strong team identities and knowledge-sharing cultures. This research offers valuable implications for both theory and practice in organizational development and management.