The effect of caring ethical climate on employees’ knowledge-hiding behavior: evidence from Chinese construction firms

Abstract This research aims to explore the influencing mechanism of a caring ethical climate on knowledge-hiding behavior in large construction firms according to the reciprocity principle of social exchange theory. This is an empirical study based on the analysis of survey data collected from 413 employees working in large construction firms in China. Hierarchical regression is applied to test the research model. This research finds: (1) Caring ethical climate has a negative influence on knowledge-hiding behavior; (2) Caring ethical climate has a positive influence on psychological contract; (3) Psychological contract has a negative influence on knowledge-hiding behavior; (4) Psychological contract mediates the relationship between caring ethical climate and knowledge-hiding behavior; (5) Task interdependence positively moderates the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge-hiding behavior. Based on the social exchange theory, this study provides significant contributions to the theory and practice of knowledge management in large construction firms by highlighting the influence of a caring ethical climate on knowledge hiding among employees. This paper provides suggestions for reducing knowledge hiding and enhancing knowledge sharing among employees in large construction firms, so as to improve the knowledge management ability of large construction firms and enhance their competitive advantages.