A parallel multiple mediator model of knowledge sharing in architectural design project teams

• The relation between AT and KS is completely mediated by TBSE and TI.
• There is no significant difference between the above two mediation paths.
• The relation between CT and KS is not mediated by the two mediators.
• The findings extend the one mediator knowledge sharing model to two mediator model.
• Project managers should pay attention to the cultivation of members’ TBSE and TI.

The demystification of the underlying mechanism for architects' knowledge sharing behavior in a project team context is of importance to better appreciate the behavior in a theoretical sense and for effective managerial intervention in a practical sense. However, most studies of knowledge sharing mechanism in current literature focus on the simple mediation. The likelihood of multiple mediators for knowledge sharing is yet to be investigated. To bridge this gap, structural equation modeling is applied to test the parallel mediation of team-based self-esteem and team identification between two types of trust and knowledge sharing with survey data. It is found that the relation between affect-based trust and knowledge sharing is completely mediated by team-based self-esteem and team identification. The model implies that project managers should pay attention to the cultivation of members' team-based self-esteem and team identification. Special measures should also be taken to build and strengthen the affect-based trust.