Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies

Influence of Social Capital Dimensions and Social Cognition on Individuals’ Willingness to Share Knowledge

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Payame Noor University, Iran.

2 Instructor, Department of Social Sciences, Payame Noor University, Ilam, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the influence of social capital and social cognition on the willingness of employees at the National Museum of Iran to share knowledge.
Methodology: This applied research employed a descriptive-survey design. The statistical population comprised all employees of the National Museum of Iran in 2025. Using Cochran’s formula and a simple random sampling method, 184 valid questionnaires were collected. Data were gathered through a composite questionnaire measuring the dimensions of social capital, social cognition, and knowledge sharing. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis was conducted through  Pearson correlation tests and structural equation modeling (SEM) using LISREL software.
Findings: The results showed that all three dimensions of social capital have a positive and significant effect on knowledge sharing. Similarly, the dimensions of social cognition— including social goals, self-efficacy, and attributions—exert a positive and significant influence on employees’ willingness to share knowledge. In addition, the model fit indices indicated an acceptable and optimal fit for the proposed research model.
Conclusion: Social capital, by fostering communication networks and trust, and social cognition, by strengthening individual beliefs and social goals, jointly create a complementary foundation for knowledge sharing. Accordingly, managers of museums and cultural organizations can improve knowledge flow by reinforcing trust, enhancing employees’ self-efficacy, cultivating shared goals, and managing employees’ emotions.
Value: The contribution of this study lies in the simultaneous application of two theoretical perspectives—social capital and social cognition—which offers a more comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping employees’ willingness to share knowledge.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References
 
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Journal of Knowledge-Research Studies
Volume 5, Issue 1 - Serial Number 15
March 2026
Pages 157-174
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