Thesis (PH.D) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Business Administration Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 142-165)

ABSTRACT
Very few investigations have been conducted to determine the consequences of linguistic ostracism in today’s multi-cultural and diverse work environment. This paper is among the first to unveil the association of linguistic ostracism and cultural intelligence with various knowledge management concepts. Drawing on the theory of belongingness, this study scrutinizes the impact of linguistic ostracism on knowledge sharing, knowledge hiding, and knowledge hoarding and the moderating role of cultural intelligence in a diverse and multi-cultural work setting. A two-phase sampling of judgmental and random sampling techniques was used to recruit local and foreign workers in the Jordanian service industry. The present study empirically analyzes the sample of 394 employees’ responses by applying variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM). VB-SEM results indicate that linguistic ostracism lessens knowledge sharing behavior and heightens knowledge hiding and hoarding. Cultural intelligence moderates two of the said associations, specifically by buffering the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge hiding, as well as linguistic ostracism and knowledge hoarding. Consequently, cultural intelligence did not moderate the causal link between linguistic ostracism and knowledge sharing. The study’s findings can help managers and decision-makers in such workplaces better understand the deleterious effects of linguistic ostracism and how cultural intelligence functions as a buffer. The study concludes with theoretical and managerial implications.