The moderating effect of communication on congruence and incongruence of openness to change: is communication always beneficial for learning organization culture and knowledge sharing?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the moderating role of communication in the relationship between person-organization fit (P-O fit) of openness to change, learning organization and knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach A total of 1,015 faculty and staff participants from three private universities in South Korea was included in the analysis. Individual and organizational aspects of openness to change were examined based on the P-O fit theory. Moderated polynomial regression and response surface methodology were used for data analysis.

Findings At a higher level of communication, the congruence of openness to change between the individual and organization showed a positive fit effect on learning organization. The incongruence of openness to change between individual and organization, in which the organizations’ openness to change was higher than that of individuals, decreased the level of knowledge sharing when the level of communication was higher.

Originality/value The results of this study support the theory and practice that consideration of P-O fit on openness to change and a strategic approach of communication are needed to succeed in organizational change.