Do feelings matter? The effects of intrinsic benefits on individuals’ commitment toward knowledge systems

• Feelings and knowledge management practices are investigated.
• The effects of intrinsic benefits on users’ commitment of knowledge system.
• The survey data are used with the partial least squares (PLS) analysis.
• Knowledge self-efficacy is positively associated with affective and continuance commitment.
• Academic and practical implications are discussed.

Knowledge management systems have been shown to increase creativity and innovation in the workplace. This study aims to find out if and how feelings matter in individuals’ knowledge management practices in knowledge-intensive firms. We develop and test a research model that explores the effects of intrinsic benefits (knowledge self-efficacy and perceived self-worth) on users’ commitment to knowledge systems. Theoretically grounded in the three-component model of commitment, the research model tests the relationships between the intrinsic benefit constructs and the affective, continuance, and normative dimensions of commitment. Survey results of 78 accounting professionals from both public and corporate accounting fields found support for the research model. Knowledge self-efficacy is positively associated with affective and continuance commitment. Perceived self-worth is positively related with affective and normative commitment. Knowledge self-efficacy significantly influences individuals’ perceived self-worth. This study raises implications for researchers and practitioners interested in commitment in knowledge management for creativity generation and particularly for knowledge-intensive firms on how to tap into the power of commitment and intrinsic benefits to gain and sustain a competitive advantage.