What drives ostracised knowledge hiding? Negative work place gossips and neuroticism perspective

Purpose Considering the significance of knowledge with respect to the current economic era, this study exclusively focuses on perceived negative workplace gossips (NWG) and knowledge-hiding behavior through a self-evaluation perspective. Further, this study also aims to explore the mediating role of workplace ostracism and moderating role of neuroticism in the relationship between perceived NWGs and knowledge hiding behavior (KHB). Design/methodology/approach Relying on the self-verification theory, data were collected from 323 employees working in the largest public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected in three-time lags to overcome common method bias and social desirability issues. PROCESS macro bootstrap method were used to confirm the proposed model and hypothesis investigation. Findings The findings of the study revealed that perceived NWGs increase KHB. Additionally, workplace ostracism mediates the relationship between perceived NWGs and KHB. The findings of the study also suggest neuroticism moderates the relationship between workplace ostracism and KHBs. Originality/value Based on the self-evaluation concept, this research provides new insight by linking NWGs and KHB, especially from gossipee’s (target’s) perspective in the Pakistani cultural context. By examining the mediating role of workplace ostracism and the moderating role of neuroticism, this research responds to a recent call to explore more mechanisms between NWG and KHB. Finally, this research offers significant implications to managers and organizations that how and when their work environment can limit the impact of NWG.