How does Transformational Leadership Influence Knowledge Sharing Culture in the Service Industry, & What are the Performance Outcomes? A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose: Knowledge sharing has been observed to be an essential practice contributing to better performance in the service industry. Previous studies have investigated how the motivational factors induced by transformational leadership traits impact the effectiveness of knowledge sharing and its impact on organizational performance. Therefore, the purpose of this master's thesis is to synthesize the elements that motivate knowledge sharing under transformational leadership. Further investigating their impact on individual, team, and organizational performance levels in the service industry. Method: The narrative literature review included 30 papers and discussed the motivational factors influencing knowledge sharing and their potential outcomes at three performance levels (individual, team, and organizational). Findings: Most studies suggest that motivational factors enabled by transformational leadership influence knowledge sharing. Apart from transformational leadership, other leadership styles were found to have the same effect on knowledge sharing. Indicating that effective knowledge sharing depends on leadership practices that foster the motivational factors required, not the leadership style itself. Gender, education, culture, and technology also affected knowledge sharing. Despite these findings, the study's scope and methodology limit generalizability. Originality/ Value: This narrative literature review hopes to make an important contribution to knowledge sharing research, integrating both the motivational factors enabled by transformational leadership and its impacts on performance at different organizational levels in the context of the service industry.