The Interplay of Social Interaction, Personality Traits, and Educational Level in Students’ Knowledge Sharing Behaviors

Abstract

This study explores the relationships between social interaction (SI), personality factors, educational level (EL), and knowledge-sharing behaviors (KSB) among students. Using data from an online survey of 300 students, the research highlights a significant influence of personality on KSB, with extraversion emerging as the most impactful trait. Social interaction also plays a key role, though its impact is more for knowledge asking (KA) than knowledge giving (KB). Interestingly, SI partially shaped personality development, enhancing traits like extraversion and openness and reducing neuroticism, but showing no significant effect on agreeableness and conscientiousness. Educational level showed a minimal direct impact on KSB. However, SI moderated the relationship between personality and KSB, notably for extraversion and neuroticism in the context of KA. SI also moderated the relationship between EL and KSB, but again,  only in the context of KA. These findings underscore the complex interplay between social interaction, personality traits, educational level, and students' knowledge-sharing behaviors. The study offers new insights for higher educational policy and practice.