Organizational knowledge dynamics on social media use at work: socio-cognitive chain reaction of isolation, asymmetry, and fear of missing out

Purpose This study aims to examine the association of psychological isolation at work and organizational knowledge dynamics on work-related social media use. Consequently, it examines the mediating role of knowledge-sharing behaviour at the workplace. Additionally, it also explores the moderating role of knowledge-sharing climate. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional method was used to collect data. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for data analysis using SmartPLS version 3.0, given its suitability for predictive models and robustness to non-normal data. The analysis required evaluating measurement model; reliability and validity, followed by structural model assessment to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings The results indicate that psychological isolation at work and knowledge-sharing behaviour are positively and significantly associated with work-related social media use and highlight the role of emotional and collaborative drivers in shaping digital engagement at work. The findings further establish that knowledge-sharing behaviour mediates the relationship between knowledge-related fear of missing out (K-FOMO) and work-related social media use, signifying that K-FOMO translates into digital engagement primarily through proactive knowledge exchange. Also, the knowledge-sharing climate significantly moderates key relationships. Originality/value This study offers novel understandings by examining social media use at work and K-FOMO generally in isolation. This study examines the knowledge management research by explicating the affective-cognitive-behavioural mechanisms through which employees’ emotional disconnection translates into innovative technology use. By putting K-FOMO as a pivotal motivational driver and incorporating knowledge-sharing behaviour as a mediating mechanism, this study presents existing knowledge management and information systems literature. Moreover, it keeps a nuanced understanding of how emerging digital work systems are associated with employee-related outcomes and organizational knowledge processes.