{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,6]],"date-time":"2026-03-06T04:12:07Z","timestamp":1772770327396,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":49,"publisher":"Emerald","issue":"3","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,1]],"date-time":"2010-06-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1275350400000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/site-policies"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Purpose<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>The aim of this study is to explore the role of social tie content in the interpersonal knowledge transfer process and to test the effects of different social ties, i.e. distinguishing instrumental tie and expressive tie, on knowledge transfer, using cognition\u2010 and affect\u2010based trust as the mediators.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Design\/methodology\/approach<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>A theoretical model was tested through a survey carried out on 152 MBA students of a university in east China, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed for data analysis.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Findings<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>This research proved that both instrumental and expressive ties will facilitate trust and knowledge transfer. Cognition\u2010based trust is not essential when low\u2010tacit, general knowledge is transferred, and the effect of the expressive tie becomes negative when trust is controlled. When transferring general knowledge the instrumental tie is more efficient. However, contrary to the hypothesis, it is found that the effect of the expressive tie is not significantly larger than that of the instrumental tie during the tacit knowledge transfer process.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Research limitations\/implications<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>Besides tacitness, future research may consider involving more dimensions of knowledge into the theoretical model. Longitudinal and cross\u2010national studies are also needed.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Practical implications<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>The paper suggests that managers can enhance knowledge transfer among co\u2010workers by enhancing their instrumental and expressive ties. However, overuse of the expressive tie is risky. The importance of trust construction in organizations is also underscored.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Originality\/value<\/jats:title><jats:p><jats:italic>The study reminds scholars to pay attention to the role of tie content in knowledge transfer. The findings also help managers to know how to increase knowledge transfer through promoting intra\u2010organizational networking.<\/jats:italic><\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1108\/13673271011050157","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,5]],"date-time":"2010-06-05T07:07:44Z","timestamp":1275721664000},"page":"449-463","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":62,"title":["Effects of social tie content on knowledge transfer"],"prefix":"10.1108","volume":"14","author":[{"given":"Shihao","family":"Zhou","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Felix","family":"Siu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Minhong","family":"Wang","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"140","reference":[{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abrams, L., Cross, R., Lesser, E. and Levin, D. (2003), \u201cNurturing interpersonal trust in knowledge\u2010sharing networks\u201d, Academy of Management Executive, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 64\u201077.","DOI":"10.5465\/ame.2003.11851845"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Aguilar, J. (1984), \u201cTrust and exchange: expressive and instrumental dimensions of reciprocity in a peasant community\u201d, Ethos, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 3\u201029.","DOI":"10.1525\/eth.1984.12.1.02a00010"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Anderson, J.C. and Gerbing, D.W. (1988), \u201cStructural equation modeling in practice: a review and recommended two\u2010step approach\u201d, Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 103 No. 3, pp. 411\u201023.","DOI":"10.1037\/0033-2909.103.3.411"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Baron, R.M. and Kenny, D.A. (1986), \u201cThe moderator\u2010mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations\u201d, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 51 No. 6, pp. 1173\u201082.","DOI":"10.1037\/0022-3514.51.6.1173"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bernard, H., Killworth, P. and Sailer, L. (1982), \u201cInformant accuracy in social network data V: an experimental attempt to predict actual communication from recall data\u201d, Social Science Research, Vol. 11, pp. 30\u201066.","DOI":"10.1016\/0049-089X(82)90006-0"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Bhagat, R.S., Kedia, B.L., Harveston, P.D. and Triandis, H.C. (2002), \u201cCultural variations in the cross\u2010border transfer of organizational knowledge: an integrative framework\u201d, Academy of Management Review, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 204\u201022.","DOI":"10.2307\/4134352"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Borgatti, S.P. and Cross, R. (2003), \u201cA relational view of information seeking and learning in social networks\u201d, Management Science, Vol. 49 No. 4, pp. 432\u201045.","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.49.4.432.14428"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b8","unstructured":"Brass, D.J. (1992), \u201cPower in organizations: a social network perspective\u201d, in Moore, G. and Whitt, J.A. (Eds), Research in Politics and Society, JAI Press, Greenwich, CT."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Brown, J.S. and Duguid, P. (2001), \u201cKnowledge and organization: a social\u2010practice perspective\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 198\u2010213.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.12.2.198.10116"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b10","unstructured":"Burt, R.S. (1992), Structural Holes: The Social Structure of Competition, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cross, R. and Cummings, J.N. (2004), \u201cTie and network correlates of individual performance in knowledge\u2010intensive work\u201d, Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 47 No.6, pp. 928\u201037.","DOI":"10.5465\/20159632"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cross, R., Borgatti, S.P. and Parker, A. (2001), \u201cBeyond answers: dimensions of the advice network\u201d, Social Networks, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 215\u201035.","DOI":"10.1016\/S0378-8733(01)00041-7"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cummings, J.N. (2004), \u201cWork groups, structural diversity, and knowledge sharing\u201d, Management Science, Vol. 50 No. 3, pp. 352\u201064.","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.1030.0134"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"D'Eredita, M.A. and Barreto, C. (2006), \u201cHow does tacit knowledge proliferate? An episode\u2010based perspective\u201d, Organization Studies, Vol. 27 No. 12, pp. 1821\u201041.","DOI":"10.1177\/0170840606067666"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Fan, Y. (2002), \u201cGuanxi's consequences: personal gains at social costs\u201d, Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 369\u201078.","DOI":"10.1023\/A:1016021706308"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Farh, J.L., Tsui, A.S., Xin, K. and Cheng, B.S. (1998), \u201cThe influence of relational demography and guanxi: the Chinese case\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 471\u201088.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.9.4.471"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Fornell, C. and Larcker, D.F. (1981), \u201cEvaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error\u201d, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 18, pp. 39\u201050.","DOI":"10.1177\/002224378101800104"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b18","unstructured":"Garud, R. (1997), \u201cOn the distinction between know\u2010how, know\u2010what, and know\u2010why\u201d, in Huff, A. and Walsh, J. (Eds), Advances in Strategic Management, JAI Press, Greenwich, CT."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Gibbons, D.E. (2004), \u201cFriendship and advice networks in the context of changing professional values\u201d, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 49 No. 2, pp. 238\u201062.","DOI":"10.2307\/4131473"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Granovetter, M.S. (1973), \u201cThe strength of weak ties\u201d, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 6, pp. 1360\u201080.","DOI":"10.1086\/225469"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Grant, R.M. (1996), \u201cToward a knowledge\u2010based theory of the firm\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 17, pp. 109\u201022.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250171110"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b22","unstructured":"Hair, J.F., Anderson, R.E., Tatham, R.L. and Black, W. (1998), Multivariate Data Analysis, 5th ed., Prentice\u2010Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hansen, M.T. (1999), \u201cThe search\u2010transfer problem: the role of weak ties in sharing knowledge across organization subunits\u201d, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 44, pp. 82\u2010111.","DOI":"10.2307\/2667032"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Harrington, D. (2009), Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.","DOI":"10.1093\/acprof:oso\/9780195339888.001.0001"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ibarra, H. (1992), \u201cHomophily and differential returns: sex differences in network structure and access in an advertising firm\u201d, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 422\u201047.","DOI":"10.2307\/2393451"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ibarra, H. and Andrews, S. (1993), \u201cPower, social influence and sense making: effects of network centrality and proximity on employee perceptions\u201d, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 38 No. 2, pp. 277\u2010303.","DOI":"10.2307\/2393414"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khatri, N., Tsang, E.W.K. and Begley, T.M. (2006), \u201cCronyism: a cross\u2010cultural analysis\u201d, Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 61\u201075.","DOI":"10.1057\/palgrave.jibs.8400171"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b28","unstructured":"Kline, R.B. (2005), Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, 2nd ed., Guilford Press, New York, NY."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Levin, D.Z. and Cross, R. (2004), \u201cThe strength of weak ties you can trust: the mediating role of trust in effective knowledge transfer\u201d, Management Science, Vol. 50 No. 11, pp. 1477\u201090.","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.1030.0136"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Lin, C. (2007), \u201cTo share or not to share? Modeling tacit knowledge sharing, its mediators and antecedents\u201d, Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 70, pp. 411\u201028.","DOI":"10.1007\/s10551-006-9119-0"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"McAllister, D. (1995), \u201cAffect\u2010 and cognition\u2010based trust as foundations for interpersonal cooperation in organizations\u201d, Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 24\u201059.","DOI":"10.2307\/256727"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Manev, I. and Stevenson, W. (2001), \u201cNationality, cultural distance, and expatriate status: effects on the managerial network in a multinational enterprise\u201d, Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 285\u2010303.","DOI":"10.1057\/palgrave.jibs.8490953"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Marsden, P.V. (1988), \u201cHomogeneity in confiding relations\u201d, Social Networks, Vol. 10, pp. 57\u201076.","DOI":"10.1016\/0378-8733(88)90010-X"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mayer, R.C., Davis, J.H. and Schoorman, F.D. (1995), \u201cAn integration model of organizational trust\u201d, Academy of Management Review, Vol. 20, pp. 709\u201034.","DOI":"10.5465\/amr.1995.9508080335"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Nonaka, I. (1994), \u201cA dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 14\u201037.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.5.1.14"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Podolny, J. and Baron, J. (1997), \u201cResources and relationships: social networks and mobility in the workplace\u201d, American Sociological Review, Vol. 62 No. 5, pp. 673\u201093.","DOI":"10.2307\/2657354"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b38","unstructured":"Polanyi, M. (1967), The Tacit Dimension, Doubleday, London."},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Regans, R. and Zuckerman, E. (2001), \u201cNetworks, diversity, and productivity: the social capital of corporate R&D groups\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 502\u201017.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.12.4.502.10637"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Saint\u2010Charles, J. and Mongeau, P. (2009), \u201cDifferent relationships for coping with ambiguity and uncertainty in organizations\u201d, Social Networks, Vol. 31, pp. 33\u20109.","DOI":"10.1016\/j.socnet.2008.09.001"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Szulanski, G. (1996), \u201cExploring internal stickiness: impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 17, pp. 27\u201043.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250171105"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Thomas\u2010Hunt, M.C., Ogden, T.Y. and Neale, M. (2003), \u201cWho's really sharing? Effects of social and expert status on knowledge exchange within groups\u201d, Management Science, Vol. 49 No. 4, pp. 464\u201077.","DOI":"10.1287\/mnsc.49.4.464.14425"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tsang, W.K. (1998), \u201cCan guanxi be a source of sustained competitive advantages for doing business in China\u201d, Academy of Management Executive, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 64\u201073.","DOI":"10.5465\/ame.1998.650517"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Tsoukas, H. (1996), \u201cThe firm as a distributed knowledge system: a constructivist approach\u201d, Strategic Management Journal, Vol. 17, pp. 11\u201025.","DOI":"10.1002\/smj.4250171104"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Uzzi, B. (1997), \u201cSocial structure and competition in interfirm networks\u201d, Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 42, pp. 35\u201067.","DOI":"10.2307\/2393808"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wasserman, S. and Faust, K. (1994), Social Network Analysis: Methods and Applications, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.","DOI":"10.1017\/CBO9780511815478"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Willem, A., Buelens, M. and Scarbrough, H. (2006), \u201cThe role of inter\u2010unit coordination mechanisms in knowledge sharing: a case study of a British MNC\u201d, Journal of Information Science, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 539\u201061.","DOI":"10.1177\/0165551506067128"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wong, S.S. (2008), \u201cTask knowledge overlap and knowledge variety: the role of advice network structures and impact on group effectiveness\u201d, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 29, pp. 591\u2010614.","DOI":"10.1002\/job.490"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_b49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zander, U. and Kogut, B. (1995), \u201cKnowledge and the speed of transfer and imitation of organizational capabilities: an empirical test\u201d, Organization Science, Vol. 6, pp. 76\u201092.","DOI":"10.1287\/orsc.6.1.76"},{"key":"key2022013119564573600_frg35","unstructured":"Mintzberg, H. (1973), The Nature of Managerial Work, Harper Row, New York, NY."}],"container-title":["Journal of Knowledge Management"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emeraldinsight.com\/doi\/full-xml\/10.1108\/13673271011050157","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13673271011050157\/full\/xml","content-type":"application\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.emerald.com\/insight\/content\/doi\/10.1108\/13673271011050157\/full\/html","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,25]],"date-time":"2025-07-25T00:11:46Z","timestamp":1753402306000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"http:\/\/www.emerald.com\/jkm\/article\/14\/3\/449-463\/268431"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,1]]},"references-count":49,"journal-issue":{"issue":"3","published-print":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,1]]}},"alternative-id":["10.1108\/13673271011050157"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/13673271011050157","relation":{},"ISSN":["1367-3270"],"issn-type":[{"value":"1367-3270","type":"print"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2010,6,1]]}}}