Examining the mediating role of knowledge hiding in the relationship between degree centrality and social capital: a moderated mediation model

Purpose Drawing on the conservation of the resource theory and social exchange theory, this study aims to examine the relationship between degree centrality, knowledge hiding and social capital. Moreover, this study also considers the moderating role of social astuteness at the two stages of a moderated mediation model. Design/methodology/approach To investigate these relationships, a moderated mediation model was developed and tested. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 214 employees employed in Pakistan's service sector. Findings The findings demonstrate that knowledge hiding mediates the relationship between degree centrality and social capital. Moreover, the results also reveal that social astuteness moderates the association between degree centrality and knowledge hiding in such a way that employees who are more socially astute will hide less knowledge. Originality/value The novelty of this study is to establish and empirically verify an integrated framework of the degree centrality–knowledge hiding–social capital relationship with social astuteness as a moderator, specifically in the context of the South Asian market. This study has uniquely addressed an unexplored research gap that significantly contributes to this research.