Understanding Knowledge Outcome Improvement in Virtual Communities: an Integrative Model from a Relational Development Perspective

This study seeks to understand how relational virtual communities (RVC) members improve knowledge outcomes, including reuse and new use of knowledge. We propose a model by integrating dedication/constraint mechanisms into social cognitive theory. This model delineates the relationship between members’ self-belief, motivation, and knowledge outcomes. In particular, self-belief is conceptualized as individual factors and environments factors. Motivation is based on one’s evaluation on interpersonal relationship development, in terms of relationship rewards and identity verification. Empirical results from survey data support most proposed hypotheses. We discuss the implications of our results.