Unlocking the relationships between developmental human resource practices, psychological collectivism and knowledge hiding: the moderating role of affective organizational commitment

PurposeThis study aims to draw on social exchange theory and reciprocity norm to examine the direct effects and mechanisms through which developmental human resources (HR) practices influence employee knowledge hiding behaviors. Additionally, the authors investigate the mediating role of psychological collectivism and the moderating role of affective organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachTo test the research model, the authors employed a three-stage time-lagged study design and surveyed a sample of 302 employees in China. The authors utilized confirmatory factor analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrapping method using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) and analysis of moment structures (AMOS) to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate the following: (1) Developmental HR practices are negatively associated with playing dumb and evasive hiding, but positively linked with rationalized hiding; (2) Psychological collectivism serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between developmental HR practices and knowledge hiding; (3) Affective organizational commitment not only moderates the relationship between developmental HR practices and psychological collectivism, but also reinforces the indirect impact of developmental HR practices on knowledge hiding.Originality/valueThis study offers a fresh perspective on previous research regarding the impact of developmental HR practices on employee behavior. Furthermore, it provides practical recommendations for organizations to enhance knowledge management by fostering stronger emotional connections between employees and the organization.