THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON KNOWLEDGE QUALITY AND OPEN INNOVATION: THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE HIDING AS A MODERATING FACTOR

Abstract

This study explores how social capital within organizations influences open innovation through the lens of knowledge quality. It suggests that elements of social capital affect how employees perceive shared knowledge, which in turn supports open innovation. The study also examines whether knowledge hiding moderates this relationship. Data from Indian organizations using knowledge-sharing platforms were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that social capital positively impacts perceived knowledge quality, which in turn promotes open innovation. However, knowledge hiding did not significantly moderate these relationships. The findings emphasize the importance of trust, employee interaction, organizational identification, reciprocity, and shared language in improving knowledge quality and driving innovation.Keywords Social capital, Open innovation, Knowledge sharing, social networks, Knowledge quality.