Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to examine the mediation role of behavioral intention in the relationship
between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and knowledge sharing behavior.
Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data used to
carry out mediation analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to test for the mediation effect based on
the theory of planned behavior.
Findings – The results reveal positive and significant relationships between attitude, subjective norm,
perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention. There is a full mediation effect of behavioral intention
between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and knowledge sharing behavior. This
implies that behavioral intention wholly processes planned behavior prediction.
Research limitations/implications – The sample size was small, covering only two referral hospitals
which affects the generalization of findings across all the hospitals in Uganda. The study was cross-sectional
focusing on a one-off perception, which does not examine knowledge sharing behavior over time. This may
necessitate follow-up studies in a longitudinal design to capture the trend of results.
Practical implications – Managers in referral hospitals should create opportunities for health
professionals to enhance knowledge sharing behavior. Knowledge sharing practices should be embedded in
the performance appraisal and reward systems which should promote positive knowledge sharing attitudes
and norms and develop self-efficacy.
Originality/value – The study generates empirical evidence on less studied phenomena in the health
sector focusing on behavioral intention mediation in predicting knowledge sharing behavior