Examining the Role of Work Overload in the Relationship Between Interpersonal Competition and Knowledge Hiding Behavior of Medical Sciences Library Employees

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seifallah Andayesh 1
Zahra Kianrad 2
1 Assistant Proffesor, Knowledge and Information Science, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
2 PhD graduate, knowledge and information science, University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran
10.48305/him.2025.45706.1338
Abstract
Introduction:The aim of this study is to examine the role of work overload in the relationship between interpersonal competition and knowledge hiding behavior among managers, administrative staff, and heads of medical sciences libraries in Tehran.

Method:This research employed a descriptive-survey design and, in terms of purpose, is applied research. The statistical population consisted of managers, administrative staff, and heads of medical sciences libraries in Tehran, totaling 230 individuals. Using Cochran’s formula and considering standard statistical parameters, the sample size was determined to be 144. In the quantitative section, standardized questionnaires were utilized to measure the research variables. Interpersonal competition was assessed using Lee’s (2020) scale with 9 items across two dimensions (competitive anxiety and sense of competition). Knowledge hiding was measured with the 12-item questionnaire developed by Serenko and Bontis (2016), and work overload was evaluated using Karatape’s (2015) 4-item scale. Out of 144 distributed questionnaires, 141 were completed, and all 141 valid responses were analyzed. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and inferential statistics through structural equation modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS.

Findings:The results indicated that interpersonal competition has a positive and significant effect on knowledge hiding. Moreover, interpersonal competition positively affects work overload. Work overload also exerts a positive and significant effect on knowledge hiding.

Conclusion: The findings revealed that work overload serves as a full mediator in the relationship between interpersonal competition and knowledge hiding.

Keywords

Subjects

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Wen J, Ma R. Antecedents of knowledge hiding and their impact on organizational performance. Frontiers in psychology. 2021.v

Health Information Management
Volume 22, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 170-177