Factors influencing information and knowledge sharing in virtual communities: a systematic literature review

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the determinants of information and knowledge sharing (IKS) behaviors in virtual communities, aiming to understand the factors that facilitate or hinder IKS within these digital environments. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, following the guidelines by Kitchenham and Charters (2007), was used to analyze 76 empirical research papers. Findings The study identifies that IKS is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors. Over 100 factors affecting IKS behaviors within virtual communities were categorized into individual, social, organizational and technological groups. Individual factors, such as self-efficacy, learning motivation and attitude toward sharing, are frequently significant. Social factors such as trust, reciprocity and social presence also play a crucial role. Organizational factors, though varied, remain under-researched. The most studied technological factors were those related to perceived ease of use of technology, usefulness of technology and cost. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a systematic review of 76 empirical research articles. While this is a substantial number, it may not encompass all relevant studies, potentially omitting significant research because of publication bias or the selection criteria used. The identified factors influencing information and knowledge sharing are drawn from existing literature, which might be context-specific. Thus, the generalizability of these factors across different types of virtual communities and organizational contexts may be limited. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of considering multiple dimensions when promoting IKS in virtual communities, particularly the roles of individual and social factors. Organizations are encouraged to focus on under-explored areas, such as the influence of organizational culture. Originality/value This study contributes to the IKS literature by systematically identifying and categorizing key factors influencing IKS in virtual communities. It emphasizes the need for further research on less-studied areas such as organizational influences.