Why do rewards fail to motivate knowledge sharing behavior among employees?

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors that lead to the failure of some rewards to induce knowledge sharing behavior among employees, with much focus on employees’ attitudes and leadership’s knowledge of employees’ preferences, and presents a model that depicts the linkages. Design/methodology/approach To investigate why the provision of some rewards fails to induce knowledge sharing behavior among employees, this study uses the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses framework to identify and analyze 56 articles published from 2000 to 2021. Findings Knowledge sharing is positively linked to organizational performance. Further, employees’ negative attitudes toward a reward system negatively relate to knowledge sharing behavior. Furthermore, management’s lack of knowledge of employees’ preferences regarding rewards leads to the provision of incorrect rewards that do not enhance knowledge sharing behavior. Finally, a conceptual model depicting the linkages among the variables under consideration has been presented. Research limitations/implications Through the present study, employees’ attitudes toward rewards and leadership’s knowledge of employees’ preferences have been presented as critical factors that can lead to the failure of some rewards to induce knowledge sharing behavior. Further, the conceptual framework that can guide managers and leaders in strategizing on how best to develop and implement correct reward systems has been presented. Originality/value The present study is a significant contribution to the literature by focusing on the negative side of rewards toward knowledge sharing behavior with a focus on employees’ attitudes and leadership’s awareness of employees’ preferences regarding rewards.