Psychological contract violation and knowledge sharing: a moderated mediation model

Purpose This research examines the intricate dynamics of psychological contract violation (PCV) and its influence on knowledge-sharing behavior among US-based working professionals. The primary purpose is to examine how PCV influences knowledge sharing and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived job insecurity while also considering the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS). Design/methodology/approach A survey of 250 working professionals based in the United States was analyzed. Moderated mediation was tested using the IBM SPSS-Process macro. Findings The study revealed a significant negative relationship between PCV and knowledge sharing. This suggests that when employees experience breaches in their psychological contracts, they are less likely to engage in knowledge-sharing activities. However, the research went beyond this simple relationship and identified a moderated mediation effect. Perceived job insecurity was found to mediate the negative relationship between PCV and knowledge sharing, and this mediation was influenced by the level of perceived organizational support. In other words, the strength of the mediation effect varied based on the level of organizational support perceived by employees. Practical implications Understanding the role of PCV in inhibiting knowledge sharing sheds light on the importance of maintaining healthy psychological contracts within organizations. Additionally, recognizing the moderating effect of POS emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive organizational culture to mitigate the adverse effects of PCV on knowledge sharing and employee well-being. Originality/value This manuscript embarks on a compelling journey of investigation, where we delve into the existing literature, present empirical research and offer thoughtful insights into the profound implications of perceived psychological contract violation on knowledge-sharing behavior.