Importance-performance matrix analysis of the antecedents of knowledge hiding behaviour in the Arab context: the case of Northern Technical University in Iraq

The study aims to understand and analyse the antecedents of knowledge hiding behaviour and their impact on the formation of this behaviour through importance-performance map analysis within the Iraqi context, specifically at the Northern Technical University. The descriptive-analytical approach was adopted by reviewing relevant literature to identify the most commonly agreed-upon antecedents, which were then examined based on individual, interpersonal, and organisational antecedents. The research population consisted of 1,800 individuals, from which a non-random sample of 316 participants was selected. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed based on a comprehensive scientific review. The study found that knowledge hiding behaviour at the Northern Technical University primarily stems from organisational antecedents, which contribute to the formation of an unhealthy work environment. This, in turn, leads to the development of individual and interpersonal antecedents, all of which collectively foster KHB. Therefore, all antecedents play a significant role in shaping KHB in the Iraqi context. This study represents an emerging research direction in the Arab world - particularly in Iraq - aimed at exploring the antecedents of knowledge hiding in organisations.