• Knowledge Management Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.139-157
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• 2017

This study proposed that a relationship exists between individual emotions and knowledge sharing (KS) intentions in competitive online advice communities. Through statistical analysis of 220 valid questionnaires collected from qualified community members, we found that individuals' intentions to contribute knowledge were enhanced by playfulness and reciprocity, while their intention to seek knowledge from others was facilitated significantly by needs fulfillment, sense of competition, and playfulness. In addition, we found that playfulness was a common factor that affected the intention to seek, as well as to contribute, knowledge. Specifically, playfulness was a highly significant individual emotion that affected both individuals' intention to contribute and seek knowledge, while reciprocity was significant primarily in individuals' intentions to contribute knowledge. Needs fulfillment and sense of competition were significant emotions that affected primarily individuals' intentions to seek knowledge. Interestingly, the factors that affected the intention to seek knowledge were consistent both in all participants and in the high-level fear group. However, in the low-level fear group, playfulness influenced KS intentions.