Unlocking knowledge sharing motivation and behavior in online communities: a self-determination theory perspective

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the motivational mechanisms influencing user knowledge sharing behavior within online communities, specifically focusing on the role of self-competence and the dual nature of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The study seeks to apply and test the self-determination theory, to understand how these factors collectively shape user engagement in knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative research approach, the study constructs a theoretical model grounded in self-determination theory to examine the direct and indirect effects of user self-competence, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations on knowledge sharing behavior. Data were collected from 14,652 users and 22,125 travel footprints posted in 2022, using Web crawlers for data extraction. Findings The study reveals that both user self-competence and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly and positively affect knowledge sharing behavior within the online community. Furthermore, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations were found to mediate the relationship between user self-competence and knowledge sharing behavior. Additionally, the study identifies that community acceptance moderates the mediating role of intrinsic motivation in this relationship. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the motivational mechanisms underpinning knowledge sharing in online communities. It offers a novel perspective on how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations interact with user self-competence to influence behavior, thereby enriching the understanding of user engagement in virtual communities.