The Role of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Team Collaboration on Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Application

Abstract

The recent global pandemic exposed organizations and companies to numerous challenges that obliged them to adjust their initial operations as a response strategy to the sternly changed environment. One of the key affected areas by the pandemic was the work settings in organization, and this came as a result of lockdown measures imposed by health authorities. As a result, many organizations shifted to remote and hybrid working arrangements for their employees. Organizations realized that it is important for them to refocus and emphasize more on their internal development in order to be ready for such unforeseen changes in the environment. One of the fundamental areas that organizations ought to focus on is knowledge sharing and knowledge application among employees working in teams. In addition, organizations should focus on quality leader-member or subordinate exchange and how it affects employees’ commitment to their assigned roles or duties. Knowledge sharing and application has the potential of permitting organizations to unlock strategies that can be instrumental in enabling them maneuver through the adverse effects resulting from black swan events such as the pandemic. As such, this study was set to explore the association between Team Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing, and Knowledge Application respectively. The study also explored the moderating (strengthening or weakening) effect of Leader-Member Exchange on these associations. Using data collected from 202 respondents (a sample from the targeted population) and analyzing that data by using Generalized Regression Model and Person’s Correlation Tests, the study found that Team Collaboration positively relates with Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Application. However, Leader Member Exchange was found to have no significant effect on these relationships. The outcome of this study suggests that organizations should emphasize more on collaboration amongst employees to enhance knowledge sharing and application, and ultimately improve their efficiency in addressing challenges emanating from unforeseen situations.