Knowledge self-enhancement and knowledge self-presentation in the workplace: conceptual foundations, measures, and impacts

Purpose This study aims to introduce two novel constructs – knowledge self-enhancement and knowledge self-presentation – into the knowledge management field to address a theoretical gap concerning the cognitive mechanisms driving knowledge behavior. Design/methodology/approach This article comprises two studies. Study 1 developed and validated a survey instrument, and Study 2 tested the new constructs within a nomological network of productive and counterproductive knowledge behavior. Data were collected from two samples of 202 and 171 experienced employees via the CloudResearch Connect platform. Findings On average, employees overstate their professional knowledge by 20% compared to that of their coworkers. Knowledge self-enhancement is a neutral or positive construct because it leads to knowledge hoarding and knowledge sharing, whereas knowledge self-presentation is a negative construct because it triggers knowledge hiding and knowledge sabotage. The effect of knowledge self-enhancement on knowledge self-presentation is amplified by the narcissistic personality trait. Practical implications Instead of preselecting new workers who do not possess knowledge self-enhancement or attempting to suppress the knowledge self-enhancement of existing employees, managers should prescreen job applicants for possession of the narcissistic personality trait. Managers should identify and remove distractor cues that activate the narcissistic personality trait in their workers. They should also educate their employees about the concept of knowledge self-presentation and its pernicious effects. Originality/value Knowledge self-enhancement and knowledge self-presentation are distinct constructs that differ from the other well-established measures tapping into similar cognitive and behavioral domains, namely, socially desirable responding, lying, and overclaiming. This study empirically shows that people’s natural tendency to self-enhance their characteristics is also present in the workplace.