Why users keep answering questions in online question answering communities: A theoretical and empirical investigation

Xiao-Ling Jin, Zhongyun Zhou, Matthew K.O. Lee, Christy M.K. Cheung

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

135 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study theorized and validated a model of knowledge sharing continuance in a special type of online community, the online question answering (Q&A) community, in which knowledge exchange is reflected mainly by asking and answering specific questions. We created a model that integrated knowledge sharing factors and knowledge self-efficacy into the expectation confirmation theory. The hypotheses derived from this model were empirically validated using an online survey conducted among users of a famous online Q&A community in China, "Yahoo! Answers China". The results suggested that users' intention to continue sharing knowledge (i.e., answering questions) was directly influenced by users' ex-post feelings as consisting of two dimensions: satisfaction, and knowledge self-efficacy. Based on the obtained results, we also found that knowledge self-efficacy and confirmation mediated the relationship between benefits and satisfaction. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)93-104
JournalInternational Journal of Information Management
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2013

Research Keywords

  • Benefits of answering questions
  • Confirmation
  • Continuance intention to answer questions
  • Knowledge self-efficacy
  • Online question answering communities
  • Satisfaction

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