Trust is a Factor Determining the Sharing of Knowledge Among Employees of Modern Organizations

Abstract

In the conditions of a knowledge-based economy, the basic and necessary factor responsible for the transfer of this resource is organizational trust. Organizational trust triggers employees' willingness to cooperate to share knowledge. Without trust in the work environment, skepticism and reluctance to participate in the exchange of knowledge prevail among employees, which makes it difficult to use it in everyday activities. Aim. The aim of the article is to examine the relationship between trust and knowledge sharing due to the importance of these factors in building organizational effectiveness. Method. Quantitative research was carried out in Poland using the CAWI method. In order to carry out the research, an original survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed to respondents via the Internet. The research group consisted of 358 people.Results: The research results revealed differences between the socio-demographic characteristics of research participants and the factors of trust in the management staff and members of the employee team that favor knowledge sharing. Conclusions: The research results expand knowledge of the conditions that should be met in an organization so that its members can gain confidence in sharing knowledge. Knowledge obtained from the analysis of own research results may be useful for the organization. It allows you to increase your superiors' awareness of the need to make efforts and take actions to build trust among employees.