Abstract
Internet communication technologies have fostered the rapid emergence of virtual communities. Knowledge sharing among participants has become critical for attracting and retaining users of these virtual communities. Previous researchers have highlighted the contextual and individual factors affecting knowledge sharing. However, little research has examined how knowledge sharing influences e-loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among social capital, knowledge sharing, team learning and e-loyalty in virtual communities. Based on a field survey of 222 virtual community members, we found that social capital is positively related to their team learning and knowledge sharing in the community, while team learning is positively related to knowledge sharing. Particularly, social capital and knowledge sharing are both positively related to members’ e-loyalty. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 619-631 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Total Quality Management and Business Excellence |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 5-6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 Jan 1 |
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Keywords
- e-loyalty
- knowledge sharing
- social capital
- team learning
- virtual community
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
Cite this
Understanding social capital, team learning, members’ e-loyalty and knowledge sharing in virtual communities. / Yao, Chen Yen; Tsai, Chin Chung; Fang, Yen Chiang.
In: Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 26, No. 5-6, 01.01.2015, p. 619-631.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding social capital, team learning, members’ e-loyalty and knowledge sharing in virtual communities
AU - Yao, Chen Yen
AU - Tsai, Chin Chung
AU - Fang, Yen Chiang
PY - 2015/1/1
Y1 - 2015/1/1
N2 - Internet communication technologies have fostered the rapid emergence of virtual communities. Knowledge sharing among participants has become critical for attracting and retaining users of these virtual communities. Previous researchers have highlighted the contextual and individual factors affecting knowledge sharing. However, little research has examined how knowledge sharing influences e-loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among social capital, knowledge sharing, team learning and e-loyalty in virtual communities. Based on a field survey of 222 virtual community members, we found that social capital is positively related to their team learning and knowledge sharing in the community, while team learning is positively related to knowledge sharing. Particularly, social capital and knowledge sharing are both positively related to members’ e-loyalty. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
AB - Internet communication technologies have fostered the rapid emergence of virtual communities. Knowledge sharing among participants has become critical for attracting and retaining users of these virtual communities. Previous researchers have highlighted the contextual and individual factors affecting knowledge sharing. However, little research has examined how knowledge sharing influences e-loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among social capital, knowledge sharing, team learning and e-loyalty in virtual communities. Based on a field survey of 222 virtual community members, we found that social capital is positively related to their team learning and knowledge sharing in the community, while team learning is positively related to knowledge sharing. Particularly, social capital and knowledge sharing are both positively related to members’ e-loyalty. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
KW - e-loyalty
KW - knowledge sharing
KW - social capital
KW - team learning
KW - virtual community
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84926262444&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/14783363.2013.865918
DO - 10.1080/14783363.2013.865918
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84926262444
VL - 26
SP - 619
EP - 631
JO - Total Quality Management and Business Excellence
JF - Total Quality Management and Business Excellence
SN - 1478-3363
IS - 5-6
ER -