Is Knowledge Hiding a Curse of the Service Sector? A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACT Knowledge hiding in the service sector is persistently escalating and is gaining increased attention from scholars and practitioners. This article aims to systematically review the extant literature on knowledge hiding in the service sector. Adopting the systematic literature review protocol, this review outlines the prominent theories (T), contexts (C), characteristics (C), and methodologies (M) of knowledge hiding in the service sector in line with the TCCM framework. The review unveiled that social exchange theory and conservation of resource theory have been predominantly employed to understand factors triggering knowledge hiding in the service sector. Furthermore, the review segregated the characteristics of knowledge hiding into antecedents, moderators, mediators, and outcomes. Additionally, studies on knowledge hiding in the service sector indicate a strong emphasis on Asian regions relative to other regions addressed in the literature. Besides, the review highlights the need for qualitative studies apart from quantitative ones. This review provides a “one‐stop” paper to provide relevant information and an understanding of the significance of knowledge hiding in the service sector. The review findings might persuade practitioners to provide policies that curtail or discontinue knowledge hiding in the service sector. One feasible solution is to develop and implement strategies to encourage knowledge sharing and cease knowledge‐hiding behaviors.