Unveiling the Hidden Pathways: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Hiding between Role Conflict, Job Insecurity, Cynicism, and Collective Efficacy

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to explain the role of knowledge-hiding as a mediator within the complex relationship of role conflict, job insecurity, cynicism, and collective efficacy in textile industry of Pakistan within stable organizational contexts. In organizations, when employees experience a lack of resources, they are inclined towards knowledge-hiding behavior to have a competitive advantage over accompanying employees. The purpose of these preemptive measures is three-fold: To avoid the role conflict among employees, to assure job security, and/or out of cynicism for the organization. Design: Employing a robust methodology, a structured questionnaire was developed employing a 5-point Likert scale. The survey gathered primary data from 231 groups, predominantly employees across textile organizations of Pakistan. Utilizing Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) and covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the collected data underwent rigorous analysis. Findings: The findings of this study underscore the affirmative relationship between knowledge-hiding and its antecedents. Notably, knowledge hiding emerges as a significant mediator, influencing the dynamic association between these constructs and collective efficacy. It became evident that knowledge hiding behavior decreases groups’ collective efficacy in organizations, and it negatively impacts the performance indicators of organizations.